After a transfer window where clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea spent big, I can’t help but wonder if Liverpool will come to regret missing out on a talented player like Mohamed Salah.
Manchester United have had a torrid time this season and needed to flex their financial biceps in the transfer market. Chelsea on the other hand are going great guns(barring their recent draw with West Ham) and seemed to spent most of the January transfer window showing off.
They spent big bucks on a player that they previously sold at a small price. They sold one of the world’s best midfielders to one of their biggest rivals. When Liverpool threatened to sign somebody (the aforementioned Salah), the Blues swooped in and snapped him up.
Like their manager, Jose Mourinho, Chelsea have devolved into a preening peacock of a club, content to bully the opposition and use financial might to power ahead. Still, it’s difficult not to admire their chutzpah.
The Mirror claim that Chelsea will end up spending (when they’ve finished paying all the add-ons) £13.5m for Salah. Liverpool, on the other hand, only offered his previous club, FC Basel, £8m for his services. I’m sure that the player is also picking up a fairly healthy wage at Stamford Bridge.
The Mirror also carried the following quotes from the player’s agent, who provided details about Liverpool’s negotiations for Salah:
“It was a long and fair negotiation with Liverpool, but it lasted two-and-a-half months – too long. Both clubs could not agree on terms. When Chelsea contacted Basel, he was happy and took his chance. It was no financial matter.”
To say it was no financial matter is absurd. There’s a reason why Chelsea were able to close the deal quickly and efficiently.
What’s disappointing is that a move to Anfield would probably have been a good step forward for Salah’s career. Wingers like Victor Moses and Daniel Sturridge (sure he mainly plays as a striker, but stick with me) have lost their way at the Bridge, only to find it once more with the Reds.
There’s just too many good midfielders at Chelsea and I’m worried that the Egyptian ace could get lost in the mix. I just hope he doesn’t regret his decision. More than that, however, I hope Liverpool don’t come to regret their failure to sign him.
What’s your take? Would Mohamed Salah have been a good addition to this Liverpool squad? Will he fit in at Chelsea?
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