Liverpool fans will be awaiting an apology from Richard Keys after another of the broadcaster's predictions backfired.
Keys had tipped Mohamed Salah to leave Anfield for the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ittihad having lined up a £215million move for the attacker. They had seen a first bid of £150m rejected by the Reds on the Premier League's transfer deadline day.
The Saudi window closed on Thursday night, with Ittihad chiefs ultimately pulling out of the move after Liverpool were adamant they would not sell. Despite Salah's clear importance to Jurgen Klopp's side, Keys had predicted that the Egyptian would be moving on.
"I’m always happy to open for apologies. Those that abused me as usual - message now. Mighty beIN Sports were spot on when I said Salah might be playing his last game at Newcastle. It’ll be v Villa now. The deal will get done next week. There’s no need to rush it though today," he tweeted, when Liverpool rejected Ittihad's first bid.
But while Keys was confident that a deal would be reached, Ittihad admitted defeat before the end of their transfer window. The Saudi side were finally convinced that the Reds could not be tempted into a sale.
The news that Ittihad's interest waned will not be a surprise to Liverpool boss Klopp. The German has always been confident Salah would remain at Anfield, reiterating that after his side's win over Aston Villa.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Are you happy Mohamed Salah stayed at Liverpool? Comment below.
"He played a top game. Mo had to work super hard and he did. I've never had, and I don't have now, doubts about his future, his commitment to this club. Believe me, you can't imagine how much fuss the whole world makes and how calm we are with it," Klopp said on Sunday.
"He's our player, he wants to play here and that's it. I didn't realise a little bit of a distraction in the whole week, besides answering questions about it - not from people inside [the club] but people outside.
"I have no clue, nobody came to me and told me something could happen or whatever. I'm pretty sure I would have got a call but I didn't. And Mo didn't look for a second like he thought about anything else other than about Aston Villa, being involved in all the goals.
"He has unbelievable numbers but it's not a surprise that he has the numbers. And he had chances on top of that and [is] involved in creating and setting up and all these kind of things. He's a world-class player, no doubt about that and I'm really pleased he is in my team."
Liverpool's home shirt for the 2023/2024 campaign pays homage to Bill Shankly and the legendary Reds manager's final season in charge at Anfield. The Nike shirt features a bright red design with a bold white contrast on the colour and cuffs.
Liverpool were able to breathe a sigh of relief on Thursday as the Saudi window closed. They have already seen Jordan Henderson and Fabinho move to the Gulf State, while Roberto Firmino also went to Saudi following his release from the Reds.
Klopp may face a nervy January transfer window if Ittihad decide to reignite their interest in Salah though. The attacker has two years remaining on his contract, with the Saudi winter window opening on New Year's Day.
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.