Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus makes Mo Salah claim amid Liverpool contract standoff

Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus makes Mo Salah claim amid Liverpool contract standoff

Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus has come out and expressed his confidence in Mohamed Salah fitting his team’s style of play if he were to join them in the near future.

“I would like to have Salah at Al-Hilal, he has a way of playing that fits the team.”

Jesus on Salah while speaking to Canal11, as quoted by Liverpool.com.

Despite being one of the most lethal forwards in European football this season, his 26 goals and 18 assists in 34 appearances spearheading Liverpool’s title charge in both the Premier League and Champions League, Salah remains with a contract set to expire this June.

A Saudi move for Salah had first appeared on the horizon in the summer of 2023, when Al-Ittihad made a staggering US$182m bid for him though it was promptly rejected by Liverpool.

Al-Hilal are reportedly ready to offer Salah a two-year, US$65m contract.

TKT Opinion

Jesus claiming Salah would fit Al-Hilal’s system can be considered a redundant matter; the veteran Egyptian’s profile is such that he would be scooped up by any PIF-owned Saudi Pro League side as soon as he sets his heart on moving to the Kingdom.

Once again, we’re left to ponder on the factors Salah and Liverpool may be at an impasse over. It’s unlikely Liverpool offer him either a staggering upgrade on his salary, especially given the numbers currently being reported, as is unlikely the prospect of them giving the soon-to-be 33-year-old more than two years in a new contract agreement.

Once players enter their 30s, it is prudent for top sides to go with short-term deals and see where it goes. Sometimes, it works out well and a player ends up staying far longer than expected, like Luka Modric at Real Madrid. Liverpool are nothing if not prudent, and it was their prudence in the market that landed him Mo Salah on what is today a bargain deal. It’s unlikely they let go of who they are in favour of an expensive risk.