Liverpool Football Club are known for their impressive persistence both on and off the field, and it is for that they are now closing in on a deal for Fiorentina forward Mohamed Salah despite numerous previous hindrances. If reports are to be believed, then the Egyptian international has finally agreed to terms with the Merseyside club and even requested his club for leave.
The Reds had earlier had a £28 million bid rejected for the Serie A man as the Italian side were demanding something in the region of £40 million for the man, who has scored 19 goals and assisted 15 times in all competitions helping Roma finish 2nd in the process.
Liverpool had their eyes set on the Egyptian long before he moved to Fiorentina from Premier League side Chelsea. He was one of their main targets in the winter of 2014 and Chelsea managed to get his scoop only at the last moment. However, the 25-year-old’s time at Stamford Bridge was one to forget as he could manage only 13 league appearances for the Blues scoring two goals.
And he would be eyeing a return to England, which remains an unchartered territory for the player. Since his loan move to Serie A two seasons ago, which became permanent only last summer for £12 million, Salah has been nothing short of extraordinary. In the 83 games, he has played for there, he has managed 34 goals and 24 assists, giving Liverpool enough reasons to splash the cash.
A right wing by nature, Salah can play on the left flank as well as through the middle. His main strength mainly relies on his phenomenal pace from wide areas. The Egyptian can easily outrun Liverpool’s new star Sadio Mane, and that blended with his new-found knack for exquisite finishing makes him quite a catch.
Liverpool’s high pressing, which has often found the likes of Mane, Coutinho, Firmino and Sturridge with acres of spaces to run, is ideal for Salah. He excels in outwitting his opponents in one-on-one situations. The unfinished work at Chelsea, where Mourinho couldn’t properly use him, is expected to complete with Jurgen Klopp.
The 25-year-old has a brilliant tenacity and his stamina is unparalleled, and his addition would surely solve the squad depth crisis of the Reds. Roma has reduced their asking price to an affordable £31.3 million for the player now, though they still remain reluctant on leaving one of the main pieces of Luciano Spaletti’s squad last term.
Liverpool are willing to pay £25m up front for him with performance-related add-ons, which should more or less wrap up the deal.
