Mohamed Salah ‘edges closer to Liverpool transfer’ after Cristiano Ronaldo bombshell
Mohamed Salah is being lined up as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo if the legendary forward forces a move away from Al-Nassr.
The Egypt international is still seen as a top target for the Saudi Pro League as a whole, and Ronaldo‘s departure would open the door for another superstar arrival.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Salah could finally leave Liverpool this summer and is expected to be interested in the opportunity.
This comes after Ronaldo went on strike at Al-Nassr, having refused to play in recent wins against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad amid disagreements over their transfer policy.
While reports suggest the 41-year-old is expected to return for their AFC Cup clash with Arkadag, he has soured his relationship with the club and could still move on.
Mohamed Salah edges closer to Saudi Pro League transfer
Football Insider revealed that Saudi Pro League clubs want Salah to finally join in the summer despite turning down interest in favour of a new deal at Anfield last year.
Ronaldo’s situation could accelerate their plans, despite his expected return to the squad, with relationships soured between the Pro League and their poster boy.
“Salah could definitely end up in Saudi Arabia,” Brown told Football Insider.
“It’s something I think could end up happening at the end of the season anyway, there’s just a feeling that he might be on his way out of Liverpool.
“But now it seems like it could be tied up in the Ronaldo situation.
“It works two ways, it looks like Ronaldo is pushing for a move away, so if he gets his move and gets to come back to Europe, there’s obviously a spot open.
“Salah is the one they have wanted for a long time and probably the type of player who could replace Ronaldo in terms of quality and his superstar status.
“It’s certainly a deal that makes a lot of sense, even though lots has to happen.
“I’m not convinced it will rely on Ronaldo leaving, but it would definitely hurry things along in that sense because they could make that move quickly.”
Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr on a free transfer
Ronaldo’s decision to go on strike at Al-Nassr has led to suggestions he could be allowed to leave the club sooner than expected.
Brown told Football Insider on 10 February that Ronaldo could leave Al-Nassr for free and has soured his relationship in hope of seeing his contract terminated.
That would facilitate a return to Europe, given there are doubts about whether any club would be able to afford to pay his wages alongside what would be a hefty transfer fee.
The 41-year-old has widely been linked with a return to one of his former clubs, with Sporting CP the favourites as any links with a return to Man United have been rubbished.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 6 February that Ronaldo could push to leave Al-Nassr in similar style to his departure from Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag.
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