Jurgen Klopp has reiterated that Mohamed Salah is not for sale, but outlined his concern over the ‘threat’ of the Saudi Pro League’s extended transfer window.
Despite repeated denials from Klopp and Salah’s own agent, Ramy Abbas, that the Egyptian winger could leave Anfield this summer, rumours of Saudi interest have continued.
Sky Sports report that Al Ittihad are ‘working on’ an offer that could be worth up to £150m for Salah – though there has been no official bid.
As arguably the Arab world’s biggest sporting superstar, Salah remains a long-term target for the PIF-backed Saudi Pro League, who plan to entice the three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner with a contract that would rank among the biggest in world football.
However, regardless of whether an offer does materialise, Liverpool’s position remains that Salah – whose contract runs until 2025 – is not for sale this summer.
“The position remains the same, absolutely,” Klopp told reporters in his Friday press conference (via the Liverpool Echo) when asked about the Salah speculation. “That’s how it is. Nothing else to say. No offer as far as I know.”
READ MORE: When could Mohamed Salah actually leave Liverpool?
Previously Klopp described his number 11 as ‘100% committed’ to Liverpool, while insisting no contact has even been made by Al Ittihad to discuss a deal.
Despite being adamant that Salah will not leave Liverpool this month, the Reds boss expressed concern once again over the Saudi Pro League’s extended transfer deadline, which he described as a ‘threat’.
While Premier League clubs must complete their deals and register new signings by 23:00 BST on Friday, 1 September, Saudi clubs may continue to do deals until 20 September – potentially resulting in a further 19 days of destabilising speculation for the likes of Liverpool.
“I don’t know how long it will stay like this but I think the next two weeks will show how much of a challenge it is,” Klopp said. “Because no-one can react anymore [if they lose players]. We have to protect the game. I love all my players who went to Saudi.
“But the league is not that it distracts me from my watching habits. We need to ensure the European leagues stay as strong as they are. Maybe we can change some rules or laws slightly? We’re all surprised by the activity of Saudi Arabia. It feels more a threat than not.”
