Al-Ittihad is eyeing a January move for Mohamed Salah, but the success of this transfer hinges on Liverpool’s Premier League performance.
The Saudi Pro League club’s previous £150m ($187m/€175m) offer, including add-ons, was rejected during the summer transfer window. Nonetheless, Al-Ittihad remains determined to acquire the services of the Liverpool winger. Their willingness to negotiate in January is contingent on Liverpool’s league standing at the end of the year.
Liverpool is unlikely to entertain the idea of selling Salah if they are in contention for the Premier League title or fighting for Champions League qualification. Losing a key player like Salah during such crucial times could jeopardize their ambitions.
Conversely, if Liverpool finds itself comfortably within the top four but with limited hopes of catching the league leaders, a transfer might become a possibility.
Of utmost importance to Liverpool is securing a suitable replacement for Salah, given his pivotal role in the squad.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo has revealed his willingness to embrace a midfield role at Anfield as he aims to become a more versatile player.
Gakpo, often recognized as an attacker, can also operate as a number eight when needed. The 24-year-old, signed in January from PSV Eindhoven, started the season in an advanced midfield role but was later deployed in attack.
Speaking to Voetbal International, Gakpo expressed his readiness to adapt to different positions, emphasizing the importance of versatility. He highlighted Liverpool’s dynamic playing style, allowing for positional rotations and the freedom to attack.
Gakpo’s midfield appearances have been partly due to Alexis Mac Allister’s role shift to defensive midfielder in some matches. The arrival of Wataru Endō for £16m ($21m/€19m) may further impact this dynamic, potentially allowing Mac Allister to return to an advanced role.
Liverpool’s recent signing of Ryan Gravenberch, a compatriot of Gakpo, provides additional midfield options, reducing the forward’s potential role in that position over the season.
In Liverpool’s recent game against Aston Villa, Gakpo was among the substitutes, with Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz preferred in attack after their impressive performances in the team’s first three matches, during which they scored four goals between them.