Steve McManaman blames the timing of the transfer rumours linking Mohamed Salah to Al-Ittihad

In an interview with BetFred, former Liverpool star Steve McManaman is not comfortable with the timing of the surging rumours linking Mohamed Salah with a move to Al-Ittihad.

Since the middle of last week, there have been plenty of news outlets reporting the fact that the Saudi League are desperate to have Salah in their league this summer.

But, when asked about the Egyptian’s future at Anfield before and after the Newcastle United game, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was dismissive and adamant that the player is not for sale.

While blaming the timing of this news for the summer, McManaman believes Salah will eventually go to the Middle East. Here’s what he said (h/t BetFred):

“Maybe he does want the move right now, but I have no idea if I’m being completely honest. The timing of this move is so, so wrong, that it’ll never happen in this current window. I don’t believe it’s a case of money because it’s too late in the window and for Liverpool to lose Mo Salah now for £100-£200 million is impossible to consider.

“The move could happen next season because he’s 32 and if the figures being mentioned remain the same, then of course it’s something that both Liverpool and Mo will look at. Of course, if the money’s right it will benefit the player and the club. “

There is an air of inevitability that Salah will play for a Saudi League club sooner rather than later. It is just that the timing is so off for this summer. But, we won’t be surprised if the Egyptian King leaves Anfield the moment this season ends after getting rousing applause from his fans.

Having seen the 31-year-old do well for the club for the last six years with great consistency, one would not think that he will drop his guard at any point this season to make sure his move to Saudi does not get jeopardized. He is a professionally driven player who chases records for fun and wants to break them as quickly as possible.

As Liverpool fans, let’s enjoy Salah for this season and hope against hope that he stays at the club until the end of his contract. which is till 2025.

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Granted he will be 32 next year, but there hasn’t been any indication that he is slowing down any time soon.