Saudi Arabia minister confirms Al-Ittihad approach for Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian star caught the interest of the Saudi Pro League a year ago, but Liverpool were unwilling to part with their star player despite a $192 million transfer offer.

Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal talked about former Pro League champions Al-Ittihad's interest in Salah, one of Europe's finest players.

"We received a statement from the club that there is a desire to sign Mohamed Salah. The amount was astronomical of course," Turki Al Faisal said on Reuters.

"The deal was for a one-year loan. Salah's contract was valid (with Liverpool), and therefore we cannot negotiate with him without returning to the club.

"We inquired through the (Sports Recruitment) program with the club itself whether there is a desire to dispense with Mohamed Salah and they told us no… and this closed the matter decisively because the club does not want to let him go."

Salah has one season left on his Liverpool contract, and it remains to be seen if the 32-year-old will consider a move to Saudi Arabia in the future.