Klopp Shuts Down Salah Signing Myths, Hails Egyptian Legend and Tips Ekitike for Record Glory
Jurgen Klopp has debunked myths about Mohamed Salah's Liverpool signing, insisting he was always the top target over Julian Brandt. The former Reds boss praised Salah's 'ridiculous' 255-goal record and recent text exchange after the Egyptian's season-end exit announcement. Klopp even tipped Hugo Ekitike as a distant possibility to eclipse it one day.
Klopp Clears the Air on Salah's Anfield Arrival
Picture this: you're at the pub, pint in hand, and someone spins the old yarn that Jurgen Klopp never fancied Mohamed Salah. Well, the former Liverpool boss has just slammed that nonsense into touch. Speaking out after Salah's shock exit announcement, Klopp insists he was all-in on the Egyptian from day one.
Jamie Carragher stirred the pot on his podcast, claiming Klopp eyed Julian Brandt instead and Liverpool stumbled into Salah as a Plan B. Carragher painted it as a lucky fluke, especially after Salah's earlier Chelsea flop. But Klopp? He's having none of it.
As James Marshment reports for TEAMtalk, Klopp revealed the recruitment process involved chats with loads of wingers – Brandt included – but the Reds were '100 per cent' sold on Salah. 'We spoke to Mo Salah,' he said, brushing off the myths. No reluctant fallback here; it was full steam ahead on the man who's now third on Liverpool's all-time scorers list with 255 goals, behind only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285).
Salah's Farewell: Tears, Texts and Ridiculous Stats
Salah's bombshell video confirmed he's off at season's end, cutting short his contract amid a rocky patch under Arne Slot – despite clinching the Premier League title in the Dutchman's debut year. Klopp, ever the sentimental Scouser at heart, texted his old star last night.
'I hope he enjoys the rest of the season,' Klopp told The Anfield Wrap, 'but I know Mo only smiles if you're winning and he's banging them in.' He gushed over Salah's journey: from Roma revival to Anfield icon, delivering Premier League and Champions League glory. 'Ridiculous numbers, unmatched,' Klopp beamed. 'Incredible career we're part of.'
The pair's partnership was pure magic – joy, graft, and trophies. Klopp marvelled at Salah's consistency over nine years: goals galore, hunger unending. At 33, he's still a freak, but Anfield won't see his like again soon. Fans are already misty-eyed, ranking him among the club's eternal greats.
Who Dares Break the Pharaoh's Record?
Klopp reckons matching Salah's haul will be a tall order for the current crop. 'We may sit here in 10 years,' he pondered, 'maybe Hugo Ekitike breaks it, but it'll be difficult.' The PSG loanee's name-drop raised eyebrows – is he Liverpool's next big thing?
Salah's departure leaves a crater, but Klopp's parting shot is pure positivity. Hope for a strong finish, smiles on the last day, and thanks for the memories. As one door shuts (Saudi? MLS whispers?), another cracks open. Liverpool's all-time list might get a cheeky French twist yet.
Wherever Salah lands, he'll chase more glory. Klopp's verdict? One of the all-time greats bows out from Anfield. Raise a glass to the King – and keep an eye on Ekitike. Football's full of plot twists.