West Ham United striker Michail Antonio has insisted Mohamed Salah was "ready to go" amid Saudi Arabia interest this summer.
Liverpool were able to retain the services of Salah despite the best efforts of Al-Ittihad
The Saudi side were rumoured to be plotting a £200m offer closer to the transfer deadline, though opted against this option
There was debate among the Reds' fanbase regarding whether or not Jurgen Klopp's side were wise to turn down such figures for a player who will turn 32 years of age in June
Of the view Salah wanted to go and should have moved to the Middle East, however, Antonio said:
"He didn’t turn that down, no way. He was locked up and the Reds had put that red arrow across: ‘You are not going anywhere’.
"He did not stop that at all. To be fair to him, he didn’t kick up a fuss and let them do what they were doing. But I know for a fact that he was ready to go."
Antonio added:
"What else can he do at Liverpool? He’s done it. It’s [Saudi] a great opportunity for him, he is a Muslim man and it had everything screaming out for him. There was no actual negative for the man to not go. I understand he has a contract, which he has fulfilled."
“So he wins another [Premier League title], do you know what that just means? He has won another. It doesn’t add much to anything else. He has done everything he could possibly do at Liverpool.
"I am saying to you right now, a Muslim man going to a Muslim country, £215m to Liverpool for a 31-year-old - I just find it completely crazy they’ve not accepted that.
“My question to you is this: what do you think Liverpool are playing for this year? Even if you couldn’t replace the man, let’s call this season a write-off.”
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