Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq are struggling under boss Steven Gerrard and the Liverpool legend has called on his club for more big-name transfers. Superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Karim Benzema have flocked to the Middle East but not every player has hit the ground running, with Gerrard disappointed in the quality of his team and is wanting to add more star power.
“We have already had important meetings at Al-Ettifaq in terms of mid-season updates and where every individual is, and where the group is at,” Gerrard said. “The message, in summary, that we have sent is that we need to be aggressive, we need to be ruthless, and we need to make a lot of changes to make this team more competitive.
“We are really happy with a lot of individuals, both foreign and some local players. But if you look at us, once Moussa [Dembele] came out of the team [through injury], the weaknesses in our team have been highlighted, as have the options we had. We need to show in this window, and also the summer window, that we mean business and we want to be competitive at the top of the league, and not where we are at the moment.”
Here, Express Sport takes a look at four Premier League teams that could be in trouble if Al-Ettifaq target their stars mid-season.
Liverpool – Mohamed Salah
Al-Ettifaq likely have a strong relationship with Liverpool, with Gerrard at the helm and joined by summer signings Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. There have previously been strong links regarding Mohamed Salah and Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ettifaq under pressure to bring in quality in the ilk of the Egyptian.
Liverpool were able to rebuff Saudi advances for Salah in the summer but if Al Ettifaq are primed with the financials that could persuade the Reds, Jurgen Klopp’s outfit would be handed a huge blow in their title race, having spearheaded their attack once again so far this season.
Manchester United – Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane has been in and out of the Manchester United team this season but while Erik ten Hag attempts to battle through an injury crisis at the back, the former Real Madrid star has become a vital member of the team once again.
He starred in the goalless draw at Liverpool but with uncertainty surrounding his contract situation, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co may feel that January is their last opportunity to get a reasonable fee for the 30-year-old – who was discussed by United in talks with Saudi teams.
Tottenham – Richarlison
Richarlison is enjoying a resurgence at Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou, but has previously been targeted by Saudi Arabian clubs. The Telegraph claim that both Richarlison and United’s Jadon Sancho were subject to interest in the summer, which is likely to be rekindled in January.
Spurs may be interested in recouping the £60million that they paid for the Brazilian, but with Son Heung-min set to leave in January to lead South Korea in the Asian Cup it would not be an opportune time for another key forward to depart.
