Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (56) firmly stated on Friday that Mohamed Salah (31) is not available for transfer, and the club has not received any offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad.
Reports in the British media on Thursday indicated that Al Ittihad was making another attempt to secure the services of the Egyptian international. However, Klopp categorically ruled out any potential deal.
Since his arrival at Liverpool in 2017, Salah has been a prolific scorer, netting 187 goals in 307 appearances. His contributions have played a significant role in Liverpool’s triumphs, including winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
“It’s always difficult to talk about media stories because there’s nothing to talk about from our point of view,” Klopp told reporters ahead of Liverpool’s game with Saudi-owned Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday.
“We don’t have an offer, Mo Salah is a Liverpool player. Obviously, for all the things we do, essential is, was, and will be. There’s nothing there, if there were something, the answer would be no.”
The manager also emphasised that Salah, who inked a three-year contract extension last year, remains fully devoted to Liverpool.
During their 3-1 victory against Bournemouth on Saturday, Liverpool faced a red card situation when Alexis MacAllister (24) was sent off, reducing them to 10 players. However, following an appeal, the red card has since been revoked, leading the manager to express immense relief.
“I wasn’t sure after the game so when I saw the pictures back, I was really sure that it’s not a red card,” Klopp said, “but that doesn’t mean immediately that our appeal will be successful.”
Mac Allister is now eligible for the upcoming match against Newcastle, where Klopp will face off against Eddie Howe.
Having assumed the helm of Newcastle in 2021, Howe guided the club to a commendable fourth-place finish in the previous season, securing a spot in the Champions League. Klopp praised Howe as an exceptional coach.
Klopp confirmed that right back Trent Alexander-Arnold (24) is in good shape after departing the field with a minor injury during the Bournemouth match last weekend. Furthermore, midfielders Thiago Alcantara (32) and Curtis Jones (22) are set to be available starting Monday.
However, centre back Ibrahima Konate (24) is grappling with a muscle injury and is uncertain for the upcoming Newcastle game.
“Playing 40 minutes with 10 men didn’t help. That’s the situation,” Klopp said.
Liverpool have four points after two Premier League games, with Newcastle one point behind.