Liverpool have been told they are capable of challenging for the Premier League title this season after keeping Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool have insisted Salah is not for sale despite strong interest from the Saudi Pro League to make him their biggest ever signing.
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Al Ittihad were desperate to land the Egypt international and it looks like they were ready to pay a sum totaling a world record £215million.
But with the Saudi Pro League transfer window ending on Thursday night and no offers accepted, Salah is staying put…for now.
Even if Liverpool could have retained their most valuable asset, they might have simply avoided the inevitable, with Saudi clubs set to make another move next summer.
Al Ittihad are among the teams expected to push for the Reds superstar.
But they could be joined by Al Hilal in a transfer race, despite signing Neymar over the summer, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs says.
The Brazil international was snapped up for £69million, the current record for a player moving to the Gulf state.
But even though Liverpool retain Salah, they have been told they are in a better position than Arsenal to beat Manchester City to the title.
That’s the verdict of former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant, who is quietly confident of the Reds’ chances this season.
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He said at kick-off: “The minimum (expectation) is top four. The way we’ve started so far is ten times better than the way Liverpool started last season.
“They look solid. A bit worried about the defense but going forward they look strong.
“The midfielder is now a very good midfielder. Young, energetic, (Dominik) Szoboszlai looks very good.
“Keeping Mo will not only be good for Liverpool, but good for everything Liverpool.
“The players will see Mo there, they know what he’ll give you. Goals, assists… and if he stays there they should know they’re looking to challenge Manchester City the way they do. have done in the last five years except last season.
“At the moment I would say Liverpool are in a better position than Arsenal. I will say in games so far they have played much better than Arsenal.
“Mikel Arteta is still fine-tuning… he’s trying to integrate people into the team.
“Run out Manchester United because they’re all over the store. I think if Liverpool played Arsenal, Liverpool would be the better team and favorites for this game.”
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