Talks with Saudi Pro League officials were serious, says Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah

LIVERPOOL – Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talisman, said that his talks with Saudi Pro League (SPL) officials were serious, even though he eventually renewed his contract with the English Premier League champions.

The negotiations between Salah and Liverpool were very long, and the 32-year-old Egyptian had told NBC Sports last November that he was “more out than in”.

In an interview on Egyptian TV channel ON Sport which was aired on May 25, the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) men’s Player of the Year said the proposed transfer “was a good opportunity to me, if I hadn’t renewed with Liverpool, it would have happened”.

“My relations with SPL officials are very good, we talked a lot and the negotiations were serious,” added the Premier League top scorer.

Salah eventually renewed his contract until 2027 and said that Liverpool’s fans had a role in that. He added: “The negotiations were long. I know the club’s policy (in negotiations).

“We reached a middle ground that made us all happy.”

He also said: “Part of the pressure on the club came from the fans. I know from the start that they wanted me to continue and they played their role in all of this.”

Salah, the second player to

claim the FWA award three times

after former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, led the English Premier League scoring chart with 29 goals this season, helping Liverpool win their second league title since he joined in 2017.

Salah also talked about the difference between current Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

“Every coach has a different style of play, but I talk a lot with Slot and we understand each other very well. Unlike Klopp, we sit a lot and talk,” he said.

“He was honest with me from the beginning and told me that he wants to get the best out of me and I told him that I want to be comfortable on the pitch.”

The Egyptian praised Klopp for what he gave the club and said the German “gave too much to the club and (it) won a lot with him”.

Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said he had “never felt so loved” after fans cheered the departing star as he lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield on May 25.

It was

an emotional farewell

for the 26-year-old Englishman after coming on in the second half of the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in Liverpool’s last game of the season.

Unlike his previous home appearance, when

he was booed

after announcing he was leaving at the end of his contract, the Liverpool-born star was warmly welcomed by fans at Anfield.

When the Premier League trophy was presented after the game, Liverpool fans saluted the academy graduate, who is ending a 20-year association with the club ahead of a widely expected move to Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold waved to the crowd and kissed the badge on his shirt, with supporters in the famous Kop stand roaring their approval when he hoisted aloft the trophy in front of them.

“I didn’t know what to expect stepping out at Anfield after what had happened a few weeks ago,” he told Sky Sports.

“I wanted to play for the club one more time and (Liverpool manager) Arne Slot trusted me to play.

“To get the reception I got means more than anything.

“I’ve played hundreds of games for the club, but I’ve never felt so loved and cared for than today.” REUTERS, AFP