Robbie Fowler believes Mohamed Salah should stay at Liverpool but concedes the Egyptian will join him in Saudi Arabia one day.
The Reds star was subject to a £150m bid from Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, on the eve of transfer deadline day.
Chiefs at Anfield quickly rebuffed the verbal offer as Jurgen Klopp's side have been consistent in their firm stance regarding the 31-year-old.
Saudi interest has dominated the conversation this summer, as a number of star's from Europe have followed Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East.
Fowler returned to management when he made the move to Saudi second division side Al-Qadsiah.
Fowler believes that Ittihad's interest will not waiver in the coming days and Salah will eventually move back to the region
The former Reds striker has warned that a hefty fee could be tabled within the week.
Fowler
"The money Liverpool have already turned down is truly mind-boggling. But, honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if that is doubled before the end of this week"
"Think about what a coup it would be for the Pro League to have him as their ambassador. He’s genuinely a superstar... after Messi and Ronaldo, he’s the most famous footballer in the world. That’s the level he’s at.
"I don’t want him to go. I’m a Liverpool fan at heart, I want what is best for my club, and I think that even £150million may not be enough for it to make business sense for the Anfield owners.
"That is really an absolutely crazy amount of money for a 31-year-old player. But think how much money they could lose if they sell Salah without the chance to sign any sort of replacement.
Fowler added
"It could cost a helluva lot more than £150m if they miss out on the top four and a place in the Champions League again – and that’s even before you think about what it could cost in lost sponsorship,"
"Salah is super-fit – I’ve not seen a player look after himself better in all my time in football. He’s never injured, and given most footballers do suffer because of the pace of the game, that is something very hard to replace."
"Look at the matches he’s played for Liverpool – 308 in six seasons, it’s remarkable. If Mo does stay this season he’ll soon be in the top 50 of all-time Liverpool appearances, which shows what a legend he already is at the club
"So you’d be losing an all-time great. And no amount of money can guarantee you find a similar great in the same generation. I mean, it took Liverpool 20 years to replace me when I left in 2001!
"It would be a tough decision for him, and a tough decision for Liverpool. I know there will be another huge bid, and I know it could be one which is hard to refuse, for player and club."
Fowler continued
"My advice though, would be to stay at Anfield longer. Mo can help Liverpool get back into the Champions League, he can help them win more titles and more trophies – and they will still be waiting in Saudi Arabia,"
"He’ll definitely play on past 36, the age Messi is now, and also Ronaldo, who is 38. And if he continues to win things with Liverpool and break all their scoring records, then he’ll become an even greater legend and hero in this part of the world.
"It’s going to be a helluva few days if you’re a Liverpool fan like me… so brace yourself for something mind-boggling this week, Reds."
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