Emulating Beckham and replacing Cristiano, Saudi Arabia's plan to persuade Salah

Fans around the world were surprised this week by news of Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad's interest in signing Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian winger is one of the Premier League's top stars and his departure to Saudi Arabia would be a major blow to English soccer. However, Liverpool claim that no offers have come in yet and that the player is committed to the club.

But surely The Reds are beginning to fear the forward's possible departure, as the details of the bid being prepared by Al-Ittihad are impressive. According to SunSport, the Pro League side are planning to offer him a contract similar to the one David Beckham had upon his arrival at Los Angeles Galaxy.

The English midfielder came to the United States in 2007 from Real Madrid and part of his contract included ownership of a Major League Soccer club, which later became Inter Miami. In Salah's case, it means he could be given shares in Al-Ittihad in the future, as Saudi Arabia's plan is for clubs to be owned by private owners mid term.

But that's not all, as they also want the Egyptian player to be the new face of the Pro League. The stars for now are Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, but both are of advanced age and could soon retire. Salah, on the other hand, is only 31 years old and could continue for several more seasons. In addition, they want to take advantage of the fact that Mohamed is a superstar in the Middle East Arabic countries and Gulf peninsula.

They are also offering a fortune

According to reports, Al-Ittihad are willing to pay Liverpool almost $180 million, while Salah's salary would be $125 million a year, plus shares in the club, the offer to become an ambassador for tourism and investments in Saudi Arabia and a private jet for him and his family.