A Saudi Pro League coach has offered a surprising response amid reports linking his club with a move for Premier League star Mohamed Salah.
Al Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus has addressed the swirling speculation connecting Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah to his team during the January transfer window.
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Speaking at a press conference following Al Hilal's emphatic 9-0 victory over Al-Fateh in a Saudi Pro League encounter, Jesus clarified the club's transfer intentions.
"We have an additional slot available for a player born under 21 years old, and we are actively searching for a winger in that age bracket. This is our priority at the moment," he said per Kooora.
Jesus further downplayed the possibility of a high-profile signing during the January window, but hinted at the possibility of a big signing at the end of the current campaign.
"The current stage is not focused on attracting international stars. Perhaps such moves will come during the transfer period at the end of the season," the 70-year-old added.
This response comes amidst reports that Salah, whose contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season, has been targeted with an eye-watering offer of R1.2 billion by Saudi football chiefs, aimed at luring the Egyptian forward to the Gulf.
While Jesus avoided directly addressing the Salah rumours, his comments suggest Al Hilal's immediate transfer plans are focused elsewhere.
"I am happy with the roster we have, but in football things can change at any moment, such as a local player wanting to leave. We were able to sign Saudi players, and we do not see that we need major changes at this time," the coach added.
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