Karim Benzema and Diogo Jota Issue Stern ‘Alert’ to Mohamed Salah Regarding Al Ittihad Move
The football world is buzzing with anticipation as Al Ittihad, led by stars Karim Benzema and Diogo Jota, aggressively pursue Liverpool’s Egyptian sensation, Mohamed Salah, in what could potentially become the most expensive transfer in the history of the sport.
Liverpool initially rejected Al Ittihad’s staggering £150 million bid for their prized winger, setting the stage for a high-stakes transfer deadline day showdown. Reports now suggest that the Saudi Pro League outfit, under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo, is preparing a jaw-dropping £200 million offer to entice Salah to the Middle East.
If the move materializes, Salah would find himself in the company of the 2022/23 Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema. The French striker, who recently inked a three-year contract with Al Ittihad following a glittering 14-year tenure at Real Madrid, could be a game-changer for the Saudi team. However, recent rumblings from the Al Ittihad camp have cast shadows over Benzema’s tenure.
Reports from Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat have hinted at tensions between Benzema and his manager. Allegedly, Nuno Espirito Santo rebuffed Benzema’s request to assume the captain’s armband, sparking discomfort for the 35-year-old talisman. Some sources even claim that Nuno was initially opposed to signing Benzema, setting the stage for a rocky relationship that has left the Frenchman feeling “not comfortable” under current conditions.
But Benzema isn’t the only one facing challenges in Saudi Arabia. Diogo Jota, who made a high-profile move to Al Ittihad from Celtic for a reported fee of £25 million, has also encountered a bumpy start to his Saudi adventure. Reports from August indicated that the club’s hierarchy is eager to offload Jota just a month after his arrival, citing concerns that he “does not serve the team” effectively.
Saudi journalist Waleed Al Farraj weighed in on the matter, saying, “I heard that Jota will not continue with the team. Yes, the club paid €30 million for him, but the club found that he does not serve the team at the moment. Ittihad’s interests come first. I am happy to have Karim Benzema in the centre-forward position, but he lacks playing alongside world-class attacking wingers. But in that way, absolutely not.”
With such developments and doubts hovering around key players in Al Ittihad’s squad, it’s no wonder that the club is eager to secure the services of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s all-time top Premier League goalscorer. However, Salah’s deep connection with the Liverpool faithful and concerning reports surrounding the experiences of Benzema and Jota in the Middle East may weigh heavily on the “Egyptian King” as he contemplates his next career move. Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating transfer saga.