Cristiano Ronaldo played a decisive role in preventing Mohamed Salah from moving to the Saudi League and ultimately renewing his contract with Liverpool.
This was stated by Saudi journalist Sultan Al-Otaibi, who confirmed that money was the main factor behind Salah’s failure to reach the Roshen League.
Negotiations had been underway between the Egyptian player and Al-Hilal since last summer, regardless of Neymar’s position at the time. The Saudi club wanted the Reds’ star to bolster its squad for the Club World Cup.
For his part, Salah didn’t mind moving to the Saudi League, but he set a condition that was literally impossible to achieve.
The 32-year-old wanted a salary on par with Ronaldo’s with Al-Nassr, which was €200 million or slightly less, a request rejected by officials from the Saudi recruitment committee.
Officials appreciate Salah’s value as an Arab and international star, but the message was that Ronaldo’s status is different as a global star with a very special status both inside and outside Saudi Arabia.
After being rejected, Salah stood his ground and decided to continue with Liverpool, which he believed was best for his career.
It’s worth noting that the “Egyptian King” will receive an estimated £20 million per year with Liverpool, or £400,000 per week, making him the highest-paid player in the English club’s history.
