File update: Club who made world-record Mo Salah bid have now found a £50.6m alternative. Report
A year ago, Al-Ittihad from the Saudi Pro League tried to sign Mo Salah with a world-record offer. As the summer transfer window progressed, Liverpool had to deal with strong interest from Saudi Arabia for their star player. Salah received a £150 million bid, with £100 million upfront, from Saudi officials to join Fabinho at Al-Ittihad, but Liverpool turned it down.
There were later reports of a potential world-record offer, but Liverpool remained firm and Salah didn’t push for a move, so the £215 million deal didn’t materialize.
The Saudi Pro League continued to show interest, and with Salah entering the final year of his contract this summer, another bid was speculated. According to The Athletic, Aston Villa forward Moussa Diaby is now set to join Al-Ittihad in a €60 million (£50.6m) deal. Diaby, who joined Villa last summer despite interest from Al-Nassr, has reportedly agreed to a long-term contract with Al-Ittihad.
This suggests Salah is unlikely to join Al-Ittihad soon, as Diaby is a natural right winger. However, there remains a chance Salah will be approached as his contract nears its end unless he extends his stay at Liverpool.
With the Saudi Public Investment Fund controlling Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal, interest in players isn’t limited to one club. While Al-Ittihad might have filled their right wing position, the PIF could target Salah for another top team.
Salah is expected to stay with Liverpool for at least another season, and Al-Ittihad’s other activities suggest the same for Alisson. Al-Ittihad is also trying to sign Man City goalkeeper Ederson with a £50 million offer.
Despite Alisson attracting Saudi interest this summer, Al-Nassr signed Bento, Al-Ahli signed Edouard Mendy last year, and Al-Hilal already have Yassine Bounou. Salah is part of the Liverpool squad flying to the U.S. on Tuesday, with Alisson joining them later in July.