Steven Gerrard firmly rejects idea of bringing Mo Salah to Al Ettifaq
In a surprising revelation, Steven Gerrard has unequivocally expressed his opposition to the idea of signing Liverpool sensation Mohamed Salah for Al Ettifaq, even if such an opportunity were to present itself.
Fresh off their impressive acquisition of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who has reportedly secured a transformative contract, Gerrard’s newly-managed club is rapidly solidifying its presence in the Saudi Pro League. The league’s concerted efforts to attract top-tier talents to Saudi Arabia have been evident in the high-profile signings of Henderson, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane.
While these notable names have been enticed by the allure of lucrative offers from the league, others have resisted the beckoning call. Notably, Al Hilal managed to secure an astronomical £259 million deal with PSG for Kylian Mbappe. However, sources suggest that the prolific French forward spurned the opportunity to engage in discussions with the club’s representatives.
Amid swirling speculations, Salah’s name also emerged in connection to a potential move to the Saudi Pro League. Addressing the matter on social media, Salah’s agent categorically confirmed the player’s unwavering commitment to Liverpool, putting an end to any lingering doubts.
In an interview with local media, the legendary Liverpool icon Gerrard shared his candid thoughts on the prospect of Salah joining Al Ettifaq, particularly in the wake of the Henderson deal. In a straightforward response, Gerrard remarked, “No. The answer is no. Mohamed Salah is my favorite player. I hold Liverpool Football Club in deep affection, and thus, Mohamed should remain in his current position. Perhaps, we can revisit this possibility when he garners further triumphs in the form of league titles and Champions League trophies with Liverpool.”
As Al Ettifaq continues its ambitious recruitment drive, which has already seen notable signings from the European market, including former Celtic and Fulham striker Moussa Dembele and the returning German attacking midfielder Amin Younes, the club’s endeavors have not been without their share of financial commitments. The recent addition of Scottish international center-back Jack Hendry, following an impressive stint with Belgian Pro League outfit Club Brugge, further underscores the club’s intentions.
However, it is abundantly clear that Mohamed Salah will not be gracing the ranks of Al Ettifaq—at least not in the immediate future. Gerrard’s unwavering allegiance to both Salah’s talent and Liverpool’s legacy solidifies the notion that some pairings are meant to remain unbroken, even in the face of enticing opportunities.