Liverpool do not want to move Mohamed Salah or Joe Gomez to Al-Ittihad, despite the Saudi Pro League club’s considerable interest in both players.
The news of Al-Ittihad’s attempts to attract Salah to Saudi Arabia broke last week, but Jurgen Klopp rejected the reports ahead of Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
However, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions are still seeking to make the Egyptian the highest-paid player in the kingdom.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team is also looking to strengthen their defensive options, which has led them to target England international Gomez.
Gomez made only 15 Premier League starts last season and is eager to play more often.
However, Liverpool are hesitant to lose one of their longest-serving players, especially when Virgil van Dijk is facing additional punishment for his red card in the win at St James’ Park.
Fabinho left Anfield for Al-Ittihad earlier this summer in a £40 million deal, while former captain Jordan Henderson joined Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia’s pursuits were unsuccessful, with both midfielders preferring to join Chelsea instead.
This has further fueled Klopp’s determination to avoid losing any more players before the transfer window ends on Friday.
The Saudi transfer market does not close until September 20, which might provide a dilemma for Liverpool and other European clubs.
As a result, both Salah and Gomez could leave for Al-Ittihad in the coming weeks, leaving the Reds in a ‘uncomfortable’ situation, according to Klopp.
