The Guardian is reporting that after weeks of transfer negotiations, Mohamed Salah is set to join Liverpool, becoming the Reds’ first marquee summer signing. The initial transfer fee agreed between Liverpool and Salah’s former club AS Roma is £35 million, with the add-ons totalling at £39 million. The Egyptian forward has become Liverpool’s record signing, eclipsing the signing of Andy Carroll in 2011, as well as becoming the most expensive African player of all time.
Reports also indicate that the 25-year-old has signed a five year, £90,000-a-week contract with the Anfield Side. Heis excited to play in the Premier League under Jürgen Klopp, following an unsuccessful spell at Chelsea in 2014.
Mohamed Salah signs for Liverpool
After spending two seasons at Swiss side FC Basel, in which the Egyptian wide-man scored nine goals, Salah had a brief spell at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho. Then Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers also expressed interest in the player at the time. Salah only made six starts and scored two goals for Chelsea. After leaving, he soon found greater success in Serie A with Fiorentina and Roma. Salah scored six goals in a brief stint at Fiorentina. He went on to impress greatly in the last two seasons for Roma, scoring a total of 29 goals. The 25-year-old has also netted 29 goals in 52 appearances for Egypt at the International level.
Last Season
Throughout the 2016/17 season for Roma, Mohamed Salah was a standout performer. In all competitions last season, he netted 19 goals for i Giallorossi. Additionally, he picked up 12 assists. It was a campaign that saw Roma finish second on 87 points, whilst also saying farewell to club legend Francesco Totti. Salah played predominately on the right wing. He also demonstrated versatility on occasions by performing on the left wing and through the centre as a secondary striker. These are the sorts of numbers and positional attributes that should help Klopp’s Liverpool side. They look to strengthen further going into a major 2017-18 campaign.
This looks to be a great signing for Liverpool as the Merseysiders kick-off their major summer transfer dealings. Salah’s ability to make key passes; stretch and exploit defences using his blistering pace; and maintain his excellent composure and finishing in front of goal will be of great use to the Reds. An additional winger was a priority in this transfer market. Salah complements Sadio Mané in a squad that overall lacks pace. As a player who should come in and make an immediate impact, the signing of Mohamed Salah looks to be an exciting one for Liverpool.
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