Just over two years after seeing then FC Basel forward Mohamed Salah choose a move to Chelsea over Liverpool, the Reds are back in for the winger with preliminary talks with Italian side AS Roma over a £28mil deal held up as the Serie A outfit try to wring a bit more money out of the Anfield outfit.
Failing to cut the mustard at Stamford Bridge, the Egyptian moved to Fiorentina on an 18-month loan deal before a another short-term spell in Italy turned permanent as the Giallorossi stumped up €15mil to secure his services full time — money well spent. Where he faltered at Chelsea and underwhelmed in Florence, Salah thrived in the Capital, bagging just shy of 30 goals and chipping in with 17-assists in the league as he matured in to a real attacking force over his two seasons at the Stadio Olimpico.
While arguments can be made that Liverpool should be focusing on other areas of the pitch, adding the 24-year old attacker will not only add depth, but competition to an already electric front-line. The pace and unpredictability the Egyptian can provide will go a long way towards breaking down sides that like to sit deep with his speed and eye for goal exactly what Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will be looking for in an attacker. Apparently tempted by a return to the Premier League, Salah’s people are rumoured to have already agreed to terms with the Anfield outfit, but as talks continue, convincing Roma to part ways with him will take both time and money — thankfully, at this point, we have both.
“You can expect us to strengthen the team,” said Peter Moore, the club’s new CEO. ‘You are exactly right when you say there is money to back the manager and the sporting director,” continued the Reds man. “Everyone wants to see massive money, but what I want to see is talent for the right price. And I might be naïve in that but that seems good business.”
