Debate raged this summer over Mohamed Salah’s future but after 10 goals scored earlier in the season, Liverpool were right to keep calm.
It could be argued that it is too early to draw any firm conclusions about Liverpool’s summer problems.
For example, although we clearly hope for more, it cannot be ruled out that Dominik Szoboszlai’s incredible debut in the red shirt could turn into an indifferent form that will change awareness of his contract.
We also can’t say for sure that Wataru Endo won’t silence his initial doubts and become Jurgen Klopp’s target in midfield after a quiet start to his Anfield career that.
However, while changes in form and fitness force definitive statements about the Red Devils’ most recent arrivals to be avoided, there is one element of their transfer activity that could be claimed.
Dad was a resounding success after just 11 matches after the start of the new campaign.
Of course, it was the decision of a certain Mohamed Salah to systematically reject the strong advances of the Saudi Pro League.
The numbers tell a story
Two months ago, you didn’t have to look far to find condemnation of Liverpool’s tough stance, with many claiming they were crazy to turn down a £150m offer from Al Ittihad in recent months.
Last day of the transfer period.
The most common argument is about the Red Devils’ forgettable 2022/23 campaign, which was clearly partly due to Salah’s decline, which is expected to accelerate this season.
It seems many casual observers missed the Egyptian’s 30 goals in 51 appearances in a team with serious flaws in midfield and frequent injuries.
Fortunately for Liverpool fans, this ‘poor form’ has continued into the new season, with Salah scoring six goals and providing four assists in 10 games in all competitions.
In fact, his nine goal contributions in the Premier League so far are only matched by Erling Haaland, who, to be completely fair, has contributed a lot less in the build-up play.
So if plans to move on from Salah fail to come to fruition and secure a potential sale, what about the claims that Liverpool simply cannot afford to turn down such a large sum for a 31-year-old so what?
Well, they don’t stand up for scrutiny either.
To start, Al Ittihad are said to be offering just a total upfront fee of £100m, with the remaining £50m in add-ons, including contingent on success at the Club World Cup in December.
And, as this particular clause will require wins over the champions of Oceania, Africa, South America and then, most likely, Man City, it would be generous to model Describe it as almost achievable.
It’s also worth noting that even the £100m guarantee element of the offer is not as large as it once was due to recent market inflation.
It would be interesting to know – to take an example – what West Ham would demand of Jarrod Bowen, who, although an extremely talented left-winger himself, is at a much lower level compared to Salah’s level.
After Liverpool received a large sum of money, the Hammers will certainly be aiming for that £100 million figure, and they could even ask for more in January.
This isn’t the only financial consideration for the Red Devils either.
A window rolls down, but what happens next?
With the wealth guaranteed by Champions League qualification, it makes financial sense for Jurgen Klopp to keep his best player for at least another season.
Liverpool’s pursuit of that goal is off to a flying start, with the second international break taking them into the top four and, in fact, just three points off top spot.
This certainly wouldn’t have happened without the influential Salah, especially if they had sold him after the Premier League transfer deadline and were therefore unable to find a replacement.
Of course, all of this doesn’t mean Klopp and Co have completely ruled out any tough decisions regarding their star man, with Saudi interest sure to ramp up again in the summer comes amid further rejections expected in January.
At this point, Salah has a year left until his contract expires and will most likely be valued at a figure not too far from the amount rejected in September.
The key then will be whether the player feels ready for semi-retirement given the current standards of the Saudi Pro League, or if he feels he has more to give at the highest level of the game and wants to push for a new Anfield deal.
For now, there is only one thing we can be certain of, and it is that Liverpool were entirely right to hold their nerve during the last summer window.
