REAL WILL KOP A MO BLOW
Spanish giants have money to burn, new stadium and top boss... but it won’t sway Salah
REAL MADRID are gearing up to challenge Europe’s best again — but Mo Salah won’t be part of it.
That’s the view of former Bernabeu legend Steve McManaman, who is warning England’s elite that the Spanish giants are ready to hit the big time again.
But while the ex-Liverpool playmaker can see a glut of star names gracing Los Blancos’ new base in the near future, he is convinced that the little Egyptian won’t be one of them.
He said: “Real have a big potful of money that they are going to do some serious business with.
“They are also going to open a stateof-the-art stadium and we’re hopefully coming out of Covid.
“If they win the Super Cup today – and La Liga – and go deep in the Champions League, they are primed to have a busy, busy summer.
“And if Madrid come knocking and land Kylian
Mbappe and have this glorious new stadium, a few footballers’ eyes are going to be turned.
“I mean, what happens if they bring in Erling Haaland as well? They will be able to do that, particularly if Mbappe is on a free.
“Suddenly, it’s the best place on the planet again. Yes, they need to sort out midfield but it’s going to be very attractive to a lot of players. So, Mbappe, yes, Haaland, yes – but I don’t see Mo Salah as one of them. I just don’t think his head will be turned.
“I can’t see it. I think Mbappe might have an itch that needs scratching. I think Haaland has, too. But not Mo. Personally, I think he’s playing his best football at Anfield. And not only do I think he’s happy but I also think he knows the strength of the two clubs at the moment.
“Knowing the person he is, I think he would love to stay. I just don’t see it being a question for him, I really don’t.
“I think they will do the deal. I think – and I hope – he’ll come to an agreement with Liverpool.”
Los Blancos can land the Spanish Super Cup if they beat Athletic Bilbao today. That carries merit but is only part of their overall strategy – as McManaman knows.
He said: “Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, knew what was around the corner. They have renewed the contracts of older players. People such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
“They were playing when Cristiano Ronaldo was at the Bernabeu three or four years ago. There has to be a natural cooling off – and that time is now.
“They were saving their money. Keeping their powder dry. They’ve got a masterplan.
“And when I speak to ex-Real Madrid players, there’s a recognition – they know they are not at the level of the English teams at the moment.
“That their level is probably defined by their performance in the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea last season.
“I was surprised they beat Liverpool. I thought Jurgen Klopp’s side would run all over them. Chelsea did exactly that and they looked streets ahead.
“Real Madrid are the best team in Spain. They’re currently about sixth or seventh-best in Europe. Behind the English teams, Bayern Munich and on a level with PSG.
“But with a pot of money, some really good players who are out of contract, a fabulous new stadium and a top manager in Carlo Ancelotti, the ingredients are there.
“A lot of teams will be looking over their shoulders at Real Madrid. And perhaps a lot sooner than they think.”