AS Roma winger Mohamed Salah’s medical examination with Liverpool in a possible £39m deal will make him the most expensive African player in history, trumping Sadio Mane’s £34 million transfer fee from Southampton.
The move will also eclipse Liverpool’s Andy Carroll £35m record transfer making him both the club and continent’s most expensive player.
The Egyptian winger was impressive last season for Roma registering 19 goals and 15 assists in 41 appearances, an impressive feat considering he missed a month while at the African Cup of Nations in January in Gabon.
The Egyptian almost joined Liverpool from Basel in 2014 but Chelsea hijacked the move securing his services as a backup for Eden Hazard but Salah, had a disappointing debut season making only six Premier League starts before he was loaned off to Fiorentina.
He then made a permanent move to AS Roma for about £15m last summer. Renown Egyptian journalist Hady Elmedany confirmed the winger’s arrival after giving details of Salah’s flight to London and the schedule for his medical.
Salah was a key figure in Luciano Spalletti’s side as Roma finished second, a point ahead of Napoli in Serie A last season.
His pace, ability to press high up the field and create chances, high intensity and good possession skills make him a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s system.
Salah will also help offload the high dependency on Sadio Mane while increasing Liverpool’s options upfront and give playmaker Phillipe Coutinho, a chance to fall back in the midfield where he’s most effective.
He looks set to become the Red’s second signing joining former Chelsea 19-year-old striker Dominic Solanke who was a top scorer at the recent Under-20 World Cup as England won the trophy.
Salah’s Incredible Stats last season (in all competitions).
- 41 appearances
- 19 goals
- 15 assists
- Minutes per goal – 168
- Pass accuracy – 80%
- Shot accuracy – 53%
- Chances created – 71
Featured Photo: Getty Images
