Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo understands January deal for Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is impossible
Saudi Pro League chief Michael Emenalo admitted that Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is out of their reach despite concrete interest. Salah has been a pivotal part of Liverpool’s team despite the new setup that tinkered with his role this season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp deployed a new tactical setup in his “Liverpool 2.0” after revamping the midfield in the summer. The new style allows right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to play as an inverted right-back, dropping into the midfield.
With no over-lapping run from the fullback position, Salah is responsible for stretching the opposition by staying wide. The Egypt captain only drops narrower in the final attacking third or when a midfielder drops wide as support.
The 31-year-old has successfully adapted to the new role while emphasizing more on his playmaking ability than dribbling past opponents. Salah has maintained his high productivity, contributing 14 goals and eight assists in all competitions so far.
The Reds have maintained their stance that Salah is not for sale for any price. Liverpool cannot afford to lose their most important attacker in the middle of the season with everything to play for.
Emenalo told Sky Sports that he is aware of Salah’s contentment at Liverpool and understands Liverpool’s “not for sale” stance. He said:
“We understand that Mo[Salah] is happy where he is at present and in a historic, wonderful club at Liverpool. We respect that very much and we don’t want to come across as putting any pressure on him. But if there is any interest to do something, Mo Salah is a player that you want in your league, in any league. We respect Liverpool and in this scenario, the initiative to do anything won’t come from us. There has to be an aligned interest from all parties involved.”
“It’s crazy how good he is, as a player and especially as a man"
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 11, 2023
Kostas Tsimikas hailed the 'crazy' quality of Mo Salah after the Egyptian netted his 200th #LFC goal
Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League table with no margin for error. The Reds have also successfully progressed in the Carling Cup and the Europa League so far.
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The Kopites simply cannot fathom the idea of losing Salah in January due to his significance and strong connection with the team. The Saudi Pro League has suffered from a lack of audience despite signing numerous big names during the summer. For some players, money is not everything and despite being among the high earners, Salah fits that template.
