Replacing Benzema, Al Ittihad targets Liverpool's top star

Following Benzema's transfer to Al Hilal, Al Ittihad considers a Premier League attacking legend their top priority this summer, given the unclear future of the player.

The Saudi Pro League is gearing up for an exciting summer with ambitions to boost its global appeal. According to Egyptian journalist Ismael Mahmood, Mohamed Salah has been pinpointed as the league's main target. Among interested clubs, Al Ittihad stands out with plans to recruit a new icon to fill the void left by Karim Benzema's move to Al Hilal.

For Al Ittihad, finding a "leader" of sufficient stature is urgent, not only in terms of skill but also brand value. Salah, a symbol of African football and a leading Premier League star for years, fully meets these criteria. His presence could provide a significant media boost and spark international interest in the Saudi league.

Currently, there have been no official moves from Al Ittihad towards Liverpool. However, sources reveal that Salah’s situation will be closely monitored throughout the summer. Informal inquiries, if they occur, might force Liverpool to quickly clarify their stance on the future of their long-time star.

Regarding Salah, he nearly left Anfield after tense comments about coach Arne Slot and the club’s management. Although relations have since been repaired and the Egyptian forward returned to the starting lineup after AFCON, signs of instability still cast doubt over his future.

Liverpool fully recognizes Salah’s sporting and commercial value during the transition under Arne Slot. Yet, as he approaches 34, balancing keeping a key player and maximizing transfer value becomes delicate. If the Saudi Pro League offers a substantial bid, Anfield will find it hard to ignore, making this summer potentially very heated over Salah’s transfer.