Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes Mohamed Salah will not join Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Salah’s future is being discussed, as he has received offers from Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al Ittihad. The Reds rejected a £150 million approach from Saudi Arabia three days ago, but a second £200 million bid is being considered.
The 31-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and is regarded as Liverpool’s main man. He has two goals and two assists in four league games so far this season.
Schwarzer does not believe he will leave Liverpool for any other Premier League or La Liga powerhouse like as Barcelona or Real Madrid. He said on BBC Radio 5Live:
“I don’t think Mo Salah would want to leave Liverpool for any other club, let alone one in the Premier League.” And, apart from that, would he still be able to join Real Madrid, Barcelona, or anybody else exists?”
The Australian commentator went on to say that there was no way the Egyptian superstar would join Barcelona. He believes Madrid’s ultimate ambition is to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe:
“Absolutely not in Barcelona.” That will not happen. And I don’t think so for Real Madrid. I believe they have shifted their focus. Kylian Mbappe is their goal, and there is where it will end.”
Both the Blaugrana and Los Blancos were looking for big-name additions this summer. The Catalan giants attempted to entice Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou, but he rejected owing to the club’s financial plight. On transfer deadline day, they instead signed Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema joined Al Ittihad earlier this summer. They were in desperate need of a new goal machine, but summer signing Jude Bellingham has stood up to the mark. In only four games, the English midfielder has scored five goals.
As a result, if Salah does leave Liverpool, a transfer to Saudi Arabia may be his most probable destination. Schwarzer went on to say:
“Of course, the money is what first draws his attention. But because of faith and the chance to be the face of a league.”
Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s January signing to Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League is on the rise. Many world-class players, like Benzema, Neymar, and N’Golo Kante, have followed suit.
If the Liverpool legend went to Saudi Arabia, he would be reunited with old colleagues Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, who both play there.