
Latest developments
- Mo Salah has attracted interest from Al-Ettifaq.
- Steven Gerrard is keen on landing the Liverpool man on a free transfer.
- PSG have also been linked with the Egyptian king.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Liverpool connection doing the heavy lifting
Al-Ettifaq are understood to be the front runners in the race to sign exit-bound Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah. It is understood that the Liverpool connection, as Al-Ettifaq is led by Steven Gerrard, has made them a major player despite Salah being on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain and other top Saudi Pro League clubs.
The story comes from CaughtOffside, who have been hit and miss lately when it comes to transfer updates.
Value (3/5): Al-Ettifaq want Salah for free
The Saudi outfit's plan is to sign the Egyptian legend without paying a fee, as his contract expires at the end of the season. However, since they are not part of the big four in the SPL, they may struggle to meet the 32-year-old's wage demands, especially since he is going to be the most sought-after free agent in the world this summer.
Suitability (5/5): Build the side around him
It is added that Al-Ettifaq want to build its new strategy around transferring Salah. As such, it is fair to assume rather than finding a place for Salah in his current setup, Gerrard would reshape his system around Salah, who has amassed an incredible 18 goals and 13 assists in 20 Premier League games this season.
Upgrade? (5/5): Elite addition
Karl Toko Ekambi and Demarai Gray are Gerrard's current options to play on the flanks. Both have done reasonably well under the English manager but as soon as Salah arrives, the pair may find themselves struggling for minutes.
Logic (2/5): Still too good for Saudi
Salah is comfortably the best player in Europe this season and is single-handedly carrying the attack of Premier League leaders, Liverpool. As such, it might still be too early for him to leave competitive European football for Saudi riches. In that regard, PSG could provide him with a lucrative salary as well as an opportunity to continue showing his talents in the Champions League.
Whisper+ verdict: 17.5/25
Apart from the Liverpool connection, Al-Ettifaq appear to have little to offer to Salah and lure him ahead of other more appealing destinations.