Richard Keys doubles down on Mohamed Salah prediction after transfer claim proved wrong

Despite being proved wrong once already, Richard Keys is doubling down on his Mohamed Salah transfer prediction, and has suggested a new destination for the Liverpool winger

Richard Keys has doubled down on his Mohamed Salah transfer claims despite being proved wrong(Image: BeIN Sports )

Richard Keys has claimed that a move to Italy is now Mohamed Salah’s most likely option as speculation continues over the Liverpool winger’s future.

Talk of a summer exit has grown as Salah continues to struggle for form amid what has been a disappointing season by his usual standards, with his performance in the Reds’ win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday raising concerns.

The 33-year-old was substituted with 13 minutes to go at the City Ground, much to his clear bemusement, although his teammates would go on to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory without him thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s last-minute goal.

Having already talked up the prospect of leaving during his extraordinary outburst in December, Salah has seen himself once again being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, although a January move failed to materialize after bridges were seemingly repaired with Arne Slot and Liverpool.

Keys has now suggested that a move to the Middle East is not on the cards, and instead the “smart money” should be on a return to Italy - although the disgraced former Sky Sports host doesn’t have the best record when it comes to predicting Salah’s future.

“I’ve said many times big-money moves aren’t an exact science and that people can change their minds about what they want – right up to the moment a deal is signed,” Keys wrote on his blog.

Mohamed Salah has been tipped for a move to Italy in the summer(Image: Getty Images)

“It’s not long since I said an agreement to take Mo Salah to Saudi was done – and it was when I made that statement, only for the player to have a change of heart.

“Liverpool also had a change of mind about letting him go and were happy to offer him a new deal – but only for one reason. I’ve said this before as well – so they could get money for him rather than see him walk away.

“I think he’ll leave Liverpool at the end of this season, but I don’t think he’ll go to Saudi. The smart money is on a move to Italy.”

Keys isn’t the only person to suggest a move back to Italy might be on the cards for Salah, with former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann having also touted it as a possibility.

It is yet another change from what Keys was claiming just a couple of months ago, having touted Salah for a move to the MLS.

Liverpool.com says: It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Salah move on from Liverpool in the summer at this stage. We’re not so sure Keys is the voice of authority on his future though.

There is still time for the Egyptian to find some form and answer some of his doubters, but the Reds do have to seriously think about what life will look like once he’s moved on.