AFCON 2023 (Q): Salah excused from start of camp and Ethiopia match
Liverpool and Egypt international Mohamed Salah has been given permission to join up late with the national team
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Liverpool star Mo Salah has been the subject of a 150 million pound (176 million euro) offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. But the Reds have formally rejected the bid from the financial powerhouse. They have also been keen to make clear a stance that is said to be irrevocable. Sales strategy or a firm decision? Only the official close of the Saudi market will tell us. Amid the media storm surrounding the saga, the Pharaohs forward was due to report for international duty, immediately after the win over Villa on Sunday (3-0). Egypt are due to play an AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia and a friendly against Tunisia. The Ethiopia game is the 6th and final qualifying matchday.
With Egypt already qualified and Salah at the centre of transfer rumours, "the Pharaohs" have allowed him to stay in the United Kingdom a little longer, and to miss the match in Ethiopia. "The coach has decided not to rely on Salah for the match against Ethiopia, especially as the team have already secured qualification for the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations," said a statement from the Egyptian Football Federation. "Salah will play the match against Tunisia as normal," the statement continued.
Egypt's home match against Ethiopia will take place on Friday 8 September at 16:00 GMT. The friendly against Tunisia is scheduled for Tuesday 12 September. It will also be staged in Egypt.
Read more on the same subject : Premier League: Salah and Liverpool put Aston Villa in their place
Al-Ittihad set to return with another record offer
One thing is certain: the current media storm is not about to die down. Al-Ittihad are reportedly preparing a bid of 200 million pounds (234 million euros). Liverpool could soften their stance. That would be with an offer that, if accepted, would be the highest in football history. The 150 million pounds already turned down was in itself a price never before reached for the sale of a player.
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