Al Ittihad stars Karim Benzema and Jota have already sent Mohamed Salah warnings over his potential move to Saudi Arabia.
Salah has been the headline act of transfer deadline day, with Al Ittihad pouring all of their efforts into signing the Egyptian winger in what could become the most expensive transfer of all time.
Liverpool are thought to have snubbed the Saudi Pro League side's initial £150 million bid for their star player. But Nuno Espirito Santo and co aren't giving up there, having reportedly prepared a record-breaking £200m offer to help lure Salah to the Middle East.
If he did make the lucrative switch, the 31-year-old would join up with 2022/23 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, who penned a three-year contract at Al Ittihad following a glittering 14-year career at Real Madrid.However, the 35-year-old talisman may make Salah think twice about a move after reports emerged last month claiming Benzema was 'uncomfortable' at the club.
Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat stated that there were tensions between Benzema and his manager after Nuno turned down the Frenchman's request to be captain, with the former Tottenham boss allegedly against signing him in the first place.
As a result, Benzema was left “not comfortable” working under the current conditions, after "being treated unprofessionally by his coach".
And he isn't the only one. Jota, who joined the likes of N'Golo Kante and Fabinho at Al Ittihad from Celtic in a deal worth a reported £25 million, has also endured a tricky start to life in Saudi Arabia.Speaking back in August, Saudi journalist Waleed Al Farraj claimed that the club's hierarchy are keen to get rid of Jota just a month after his arrival because he "does not serve the team".
"I heard that Jota will not continue with the team," said Farraj. "Yes, the club paid €30 million for him, but the club found that he does not serve the team at the moment.
"Ittihad’s interests come first. I am happy to have Karim Benzema in the centre-forward position, but he lacks playing alongside world-class attacking wingers. But in that way, absolutely not."
Therefore, it is no surprise that Al Ittihad are keen to add Liverpool's all-time top Premier League goalscorer to their weaponry.
Although concerning reports regarding both Benzema and Jota's experiences in the Middle East may have a bearing on Salah's decision, with the 'Egyptian King' a much-loved figure in Merseyside.
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