Ian Wright has expressed his displeasure with Saudi Pro League team Al Ittihad for their late attempt to sign Liverpool star Mohamed Salah during the summer transfer window. The Arsenal legend shared his views on the Kelly and Wright Show, stating that Al Ittihad’s move for Salah came too late in the transfer window.
Liverpool had rejected a substantial £150 million bid from Al Ittihad just before the transfer deadline, but it remains uncertain if an improved offer will be submitted.
Salah played for Liverpool over the weekend and scored in their 3-0 victory against Aston Villa. Jurgen Klopp has repeatedly stated that the 31-year-old will remain at Anfield. The Saudi transfer window was set to close on September 7.
However, Ian Wright was not pleased with Al Ittihad’s late attempt to acquire the Liverpool star. He suggested that they should have made their move earlier, especially for a player of Salah’s caliber. Wright viewed the late bid as disrespectful to Salah and believed that it had unsettled him.
The timing of Al Ittihad’s bid for Salah was indeed surprising, and it would have likely been more effective had they initiated the move earlier in the summer. A late bid provided Liverpool with insufficient time to find a suitable replacement for their key player. Liverpool is unlikely to change their stance on Salah’s transfer before the end of the week.
Liverpool is aware that interest from Saudi clubs may persist in the next summer transfer window, and by then, they may be in a better position to consider a significant offer. Salah will have just one year left on his contract next year, making it a more sensible time for Liverpool to evaluate potential offers.