Jurgen Klopp insists he had no concerns about Mohamed Salah’s focus ahead of Liverpool’s game with Aston Villa… insisting ‘nothing has come through’ despite Al-Ittihad’s interest in the Egyptian forward
Jurgen Klopp insists he was not worried about Mohamed Salah’s focus ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Aston Villa… and insists ‘nothing has come through’ despite Al-Ittihad’s interest in the Egyptian forward
Jurgen Klopp insists he didn’t have to worry about Mohamed Salah’s focus during their match with Aston Villa.
The German opted for Salah from the start, despite the Egyptian being linked with a move to Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad.
Liverpool have turned down a £150 million bid, but that hasn’t stopped the Saudi Pro League club from pushing for Salah until their window closes on September 7.
The European transfer window may be closed, but Liverpool have four days to fend off Sauri Arabi’s advance, with Al-Ittihad willing to spend up to £200m.
Klopp looked visibly amused ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Aston Villa when asked if he should think about whether Salah was fully focused.
Mohamed Salah started the game between Liverpool and Aston Villa, despite rumors of a Saudi transfer
Jürgen Klopp has insisted he has nothing to worry about Salah’s focus
After giving a confused look before laughing at the question, he said: “I didn’t need this to be a media story and it never came through.
“I have a big desk in my office, lots of papers on it, a laptop, iPad, everything you need. None of them are concerned with any kind of news. I have a lot of other things to do and we haven’t thought about that.
“Mo was completely normal, good week of training and nothing to think about.”
Talks have been going on for months but have intensified in recent days, with the Saudi pro League hierarchy settling down in Cannes in the south of France to hold negotiations.
Liverpool director Mike Gordon rejected proposals on Thursday evening and has since reiterated that the 31-year-old is not for sale and considers the matter closed.
Salah, who scored 30 goals in all competitions for Liverpool last season, is part of the club’s leading squad and signed a new three-year contract last summer, making him the highest-paid player in Liverpool’s history.
Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad is preparing a £200 million bid for the Egyptian striker
Klopp has admitted he is concerned about the wages being offered to players and that the Saudi window is left open longer so they can continue to distract players with what is on offer.
Liverpool have already seen a number of players leave for Saudi Arabia, with Jordan Henderson relinquishing the club captaincy to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, while Fabinho and Roberto Firmino also secured departures.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and central defender Ibrahima Konate were also the subject of interest, but were keen to continue with the Premier League giants.