PSG president denies interest in Salah

Nasser Al-Khelaifi praised the quality of the Egyptian winger, who is nearing the end of his contract with Liverpool, but denied ever having any interest in signing him.

SoccerDino, Website Writer
Published: 03:21, 3 Dec 2024

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the president of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), addressed ongoing speculation about the club's interest in Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, firmly denying any pursuit of the Egyptian star.

At 32 years old, Salah is in the final stretch of his contract with Liverpool and has publicly expressed frustration over the club’s hesitancy to offer him a renewal. Despite these circumstances, Al-Khelaifi clarified that PSG has no plans to add Salah to their roster.

Speaking at a European Club Association (ECA) meeting in Budapest, where he also serves as president, Al-Khelaifi praised Salah’s exceptional qualities while dismantling the rumors linking PSG with a move for the player. “It’s not true. He is a fantastic and incredible player, but we never considered him, to be honest. We know that every club would love to have him, but this rumor about us simply isn’t true,” Al-Khelaifi stated in an interview with Sky Sports Germany.

He took the opportunity to highlight PSG’s current strategy, emphasizing the club’s commitment to building for the future. “There are many rumors about players, but we are very clear. We have one of the youngest teams in Europe, if not the youngest, with an average age of 22.5 years. We are building a team for the future with our incredible coach, Luis Enrique,” he added. This vision underlines PSG’s long-term ambitions, which are centered on nurturing young talent and creating a cohesive unit rather than chasing high-profile signings.

Al-Khelaifi elaborated on the club's philosophy, expressing confidence in the current squad and its potential. “We have a long-term plan with this team and coach, and our players are united. It’s a fantastic group with a great atmosphere,” he said. “In my opinion, we have the best coach in the world right now, and he is building a project for the future. Results matter, but we remain focused on the project.”

The PSG president also took aim at the media for fueling transfer rumors, suggesting that such stories are often fabricated to generate headlines. “There are always rumors in the media; they want to sell newspapers. But I have faith in our project, system, coach, and plan. If an opportunity arises, of course, we will explore it,” he said, leaving the door open for potential January reinforcements while reiterating his belief in the current squad’s strength and trajectory.

Salah, meanwhile, continues to shine at Liverpool despite uncertainty surrounding his future. Now in his eighth season with the club, he remains a pivotal figure for the Premier League leaders, contributing 13 goals and 11 assists in 20 appearances so far this season. His performances have helped Liverpool establish a commanding nine-point lead at the top of the table over Arsenal and Chelsea, who are tied for second place with 25 points each. This consistency has further fueled speculation about Salah’s next move, particularly as his contract expiration draws nearer.

While Salah has expressed disappointment in Liverpool’s reluctance to offer him a new deal, his contributions on the pitch remain unquestionable. Known for his speed, skill, and clinical finishing, Salah has solidified his place among the Premier League’s elite players, and his ability to consistently deliver in crucial moments makes him an attractive prospect for top clubs worldwide.

However, Al-Khelaifi’s comments suggest that PSG is more focused on fostering stability and developing younger players rather than pursuing high-profile veterans. The club’s current project under Luis Enrique has placed a premium on integrating youth into the first team while maintaining competitiveness across domestic and European competitions. With an average squad age of just 22.5 years, PSG’s long-term strategy is clear: to create a sustainable team capable of dominating for years to come.

In this context, Salah’s age and contract situation may not align with PSG’s broader objectives. Still, Al-Khelaifi left the door open to exploring new opportunities in the transfer market if they align with the club’s vision. January could present an interesting dynamic for PSG as they balance their long-term goals with the immediate demands of competing for trophies on multiple fronts.

As Salah continues to deliver standout performances for Liverpool, the uncertainty surrounding his future adds an intriguing subplot to the ongoing Premier League season. For now, however, PSG appears content to focus on its youth-driven project, leaving Salah’s next move as a story yet to be written.

Updated: 03:21, 3 Dec 2024