‘He was ready to go’ – West Ham star Michail Antonio says he ‘knows for a fact’ Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah wanted to make big-money Saudi move in the summer

• Salah had Saudi approaches in summer
• Liverpool rejected offers
• Antonio ‘knows’ Salah wanted to leave

WHAT HAPPENED? Despite Al-Ittihad’s best efforts, Liverpool was able to retain the services of Salah this summer. The Saudi club first submitted a proposal of £150 million for the Egyptian, but the Reds rejected it right away. Closer to the transfer deadline, the Saudi team was said to be planning a £200 million bidbut they decided against it when it became evident Liverpool would not permit the player to go. West Ham forward Antonio has suggested in BBC’s ‘The Footballer’s Football Podcast’ that he believes the Egyptian superstar was set on leaving the club but not for the monetary benefits that it would bring.

WHAT THEY SAID: “He didn’t turn that down, no way. He was locked up and the Reds had put that red arrow across: ‘You are not going anywhere’. He did not stop that at all. To be fair to him, he didn’t kick up a fuss and let them do what they were doing. But I know for a fact that he was ready to go” said Antonio.

Antonio emphasised that Salah was leaving Anfield because he had achieved everything he could there, not for financial gain. Antonio continued: “What else can he do at Liverpool? He’s done it. It’s [Saudi] a great opportunity for him, he is a Muslim man and it had everything screaming out for him. There was no actual negative for the man to not go. I understand he has a contract, which he has fulfilled.

“So he wins another [Premier League title]do you know what that just means? He has won another. It doesn’t add much to anything else. He has done everything he could possibly do at Liverpool. I am saying to you right now, a Muslim man going to a Muslim country, £215m to Liverpool for a 31-year-old – I just find it completely crazy they’ve not accepted that.

“My question to you is this: what do you think Liverpool are playing for this year? Even if you couldn’t replace the man, let’s call this season a write-off.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The decision by Jurgen Klopp’s team to reject such money for a player who will turn 32 in June 2024 was questioned by some Reds supporters, but it is expected that Liverpool will continue to receive offers for Salah from Saudi Pro League clubs.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT FOR SALAH? It is very unlikely that Salah will be looking to leave the club in the winter transfer window and is expected to stay at least June next year.