Mohamed Salah is ‘ready to leave Liverpool this summer’ and join Al-Ittihad, claims Michail Antonio… and he insists the Egyptian was ‘locked up’ by the Reds and told he would not be allowed to leave

Michail Antonio has claimed that Mohamed Salah was keen to leave Liverpool this summer amid interest in the Egyptian star from Saudi Arabia.

One of the biggest stories at the end of the transfer window was Salahs future at Anfield after the Reds rejected an initial offer of £150m from Saudi champions Al-Ittihad.

They were reportedly ready to jump back in with a £200million offer, but Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to fend off interest and keep their player until at least January.

During the brief saga, Klopp repeatedly stressed that the speculation did not concern him, while Salah remained silent.

And West Ham striker Antonio insisted the 31-year-old – who would have received an annual salary of £100m after taxes for three years – was interested in the move, but the Reds simply refused to give him the opportunity.

Michail Antonio claimed Mohamed Salah wants to join Al-Ittihad from Liverpool this summer

Antonio insisted Salah was “ready to play” but the Reds refused to accept a departure

“There’s no way he refused,” Antonio told the Footballer’s football podcast.

‘He was locked up and the Reds had the red arrow across it: “You’re not going anywhere.”

“He didn’t stop it at all.” To be fair, he didn’t make a fuss and let them do what they did. But I know for a fact that he was ready to go.’

Despite the insane sums on offer in the Middle East, Antonio also argued that Salah had other motivations for his move after six outstanding years at Anfield.

The Egyptian star has scored 188 goals for Liverpool and is fifth in the all-time goalscoring list, while he has won every trophy available to him at the club.

He added: “What else can he do at Liverpool?” He did it. It is [Saudi] A great opportunity for him, he is a Muslim man and everything was screaming for him.

“There was nothing really negative for the man not to go. “As far as I know he has a contract that he has fulfilled.”

Al-Ittihad is managed by Nuno Espirito Santo and an initial offer worth £150m was rejected

Salah is one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players and has scored 188 goals for the club

Salah has not been distracted by the speculation as the 31-year-old has scored two goals and provided four assists in his first five games this season, keeping Liverpool unbeaten.

However, Mail Sport reported earlier this month that Al-Ittihad believe their pursuit of signing Salah is on hold and that they are planning to make another move in the future.

The Reds are back in action on Thursday when they take on Austrian side LASK in the Europa League before facing West Ham on Sunday.