09 September 2023 , 20:16
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Saudi giants Al-Ittihad made a late play for Richarlison after learning their move for Mohamed Salah would be unsuccessful.
Liverpool forward Salah was targeted by the Jeddah-based team towards the end of the Premier League window despite the Egyptian's agent indicating he would not leave Anfield this summer. Al-Ittihad bid £150m, but the Reds kept hold of their star man with no time left to find a replacement.
Saudi sides had a few days longer than their Premier League counterparts to complete their business. With the Salah move a non-starter they looked elsewhere, but their efforts to land Spurs star Richarlison also fell flat.
According to The Telegraph, Al Ittihad held talks with intermediaries after identifying the former Everton star as their top target. However, the move is said to have run out of time.
Saudi clubs had until September 7 to conclude their business. Some deals went through after European windows closed, including Al-Ittihad's swoop for defender Luiz Felipe and Al-Ettifaq picking up Demarai Gray from Everton.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
Despite failing with their final transfer push, Al-Ittihad have been busy in the transfer market as they look to retain their domestic title. Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante joined early in the window, with Fabinho and Jota also coming on board.
Who will move to the Saudi Pro League in January? Have your say in the comments section
Mohamed Salah ended up staying at Liverpool (Ryan Browne/REX/Shutterstock)Richarlison only joined current club Spurs for £60m in 2022, and remains part of Brazil's plans despite struggling in front of goal at club level. He started the 5-1 win over Bolivia this week, but was seen in tears after being substituted having missed chances to find the net.
Al-Ittihad won their first four games of the league season, with new men Benzema and Jota both among the goals. Benzema was on target at home to Al-Hilal in game five as well, but an Aleksandar Mitrovic hat-trick helped give the visitors a 4-3 win.
While Salah's move to Saudi Arabia failed to materialise, Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo isn't giving up hope. The former Chelsea transfer chief has overseen a huge influx of big names, and the trend looks set to continue.
“First and foremost, Salah is one of the best players on the planet. I've said before, privately and publicly that we welcome anybody that wants to come to the SPL. That includes Salah,” Emenalo told Sky Sports.