Al Ittihad were willing to make a significant investment, with a potential offer of up to £200 million, to sign Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah last summer, according to The Athletic.
The Reds turned down a £150m offer for the 31-year-old from the Saudi Pro League club last summer.
The bid was in excess of £100m, with add-ons taking it up to £150m, however, Jurgen Klopp’s side remained insistent the Egypt international was not for sale, and that was final as far as the club were concerned.
Salah, who moved to Anfield from AS Roma in 2017 penned a new three-year contract in 2022.
The Athletic claims that “Al Ittihad had not given up hope and were prepared to pay up to £200million for the most famous Arab footballer on the planet – a move that would place him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar as poster boys for the Saudi Pro League.
“The package offered, understood to be worth around £1.5million ($1.9m) per week, around four times his current salary, would help grease the wheels, too.”
It is believed that Marcelo Gallardo’s outfit are likely to bid again for Salah next summer provided the forward does not sign a new contract.
The Egyptian has only 18 months left on his current contract and according to reports, Liverpool are determined to extend his contract this summer.
In a Q&A for The Athletic, David Ornstein said, “Not aware of any decision on that yet. I’m sure Liverpool would like to extend Salah’s contract but, of course, that is his decision and if he doesn’t then all involved will need to decide whether he goes into his final year or a sale is best (depending on offers).
“The strength of interest from Saudi Arabia last summer suggests they will have another go in the next transfer window – but as I’ve said on here before I have heard suggestions that Salah would be keen to keep playing at the highest level in Europe. On this one, we’ll need to be patient.”
Salah, who has 18 goals and nine assists in 27 appearances for Liverpool this season is set to be on the sidelines for at least a month after suffering a muscle injury during Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
He was seen on the grass for the first time last week as he continues his recovery from the injury.
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