After 10 days or so of intense speculation, the Saudi Pro League side finally sent an offer this afternoon. Thankfully, Liverpool rejected their £100m+ add-ons bid out of hand.
But according to journalist Ben Jacobs, that isn’t the end of the matter. Writing on Twitter, Jacobs claimed that despite being rebuked by the Reds, Al Ittihad sources are ‘adamant’ that they’re going to try again.
“The rejected Al-Ittihad offer for Mo Salah was for a total package of £150m,” says the journalist.
“A second offer of £175m is expected, even though LFC made it clear Salah is not for sale. First bid only verbal. Al-Ittihad sources adamant they will try again.”
Al Ittihad planning second Salah bid
This is the sideshow that Liverpool could really, really do without right now.
It has always felt like the Saudi sides would come on strong for Mo at some stage, but to do it on deadline day does feel a little underhand.
In a strange way though, it also means they’ve more or less shot themselves in the foot.
Had they tried something similar at an early stage of the transfer window, perhaps Liverpool would have been open to it.
But to do so with less than 12 hours for them to sort themselves out and find a replacement is unbelievable.
Having said all of that, who can predict what will happen. Salah himself is said to have been remaining calm in the face of such rabid interest.
Although it doesn’t reflect his true value to Liverpool at this stage of the window, it’s still a huge offer. Let’s hope the Reds stand firm again. There could be riots on if not…
