"It's just a bit creepy", "Absolute clowns" - Liverpool fans left fuming as Al-Ittihad supporters pose in Mohamed Salah masks amid transfer rumors

Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah is reportedly close to leaving for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. Amid that, Al-Ittihad fans wearing Salah masks has enraged Reds supporters.

Salah, 31, has been linked with a sensational switch to the SPL side, who're willing to make the Egyptian winger the highest-paid player in the cash-rich league. Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo - who joined Al-Nassr on a free transfer in December - holds that accolade. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner earns €94.4 million at the Riyadh-based club (as per Marca).

Meanwhile, Salah - who signed a new deal at Anfield last year - earns €20.4 million, which pales in comparison to what he could earn at Al-Ittihad. The Egyptian is reportedly contemplating a move, but the Reds are unlikely to sanction his exit, especially with the transfer window closing in less than two weeks.

Reds fans are far from amused at the antics of Al-Ittihad supporters wearing Salah masks for their team's games. One tweeted:

As per the Independent, the Reds have proclaimed that Salah is not for sale, making the Egyptian's move away from Anfield unlikely this summer.

Mohamed Salah's Liverpool have lost a few key players this summer

Liverpool are in the midst of a rebuild, bidding adieu to a slew of experienced campaigners this summer.

The likes of former captain Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Roberto Firmino have all departed. While Henderson has joined Al-Ettifaq, Fabinho moved to Al-Ittihad - the club reportedly in pursuit of Salah - while Firmino signed with Al-Ahli. Other significant departees include Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Besiktas), Naby Keita (Werder Bremen), and James Milner (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Considering the same, Klopp and Liverpool have reason to hold on to Salah, who has been a consistent performer since arriving in 2017. He has 187 goals and 90 assists in 307 games across competitions, winning every major title on offer at Anfield.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

Know More