Mohamed Salah’s move to Liverpool voted best value transfer
Mohamed Salah’s 2017 move from Roma to Liverpool has been voted the best value Premier League transfer of all time.
A poll, of 2,000 football fans, found the Egyptian star’s switch topped the poll – despite setting his club back £34m – as he’s now bagged the club more than 200 goals.
The goalscorer helped deliver a long-awaited Premier League title to the Merseyside club, as well as the UEFA Champions League trophy.
His move beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer from Lisbon to Manchester United, and Eric Cantona joining the Red Devils from Leeds.
The research was commissioned by iD Mobile, ahead of Transfer Deadline Day, which is celebrating its customers on giant screens who make the switch to the mobile network
The faces of new customers – who share their last name with famous footballers Kane, Grealish, Watkins and Kelly – were unveiled on giant screens outside Tottenham Court Road station.
Lewis Henry, of iD Mobile, said: “Getting the best value is important for all of us. Whether it be a player looking for a bumper new contract with a new club, or someone looking for a new phone contract.
“These findings show that an unexpected option can be worth it if you get good value for money, and they can be outstanding in the long run.”
“Value in a crowded market can be tricky – just ask any Premier League club – but we know a good value deal is not just about the best or lowest price and it’s more about what you get back for your money instead.”
On the flip side, Paul Pogba’s big-money switch to United from Juventus for £89m back in 2016, was deemed the worst transfer ever made. This was made even worse after the club let him go as a youngster for almost nothing.
Andy Carroll’s £35m move to Liverpool on the final day of the transfer window in 2011, was voted second-worst value for money, followed by Romelu Lukaku’s switch from United to Chelsea.
Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal were highlighted as the best clubs for identifying good value transfers, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Despite their optimism, nearly nine in 10 (87%) believe Premier League clubs overpay for players, and 56% think there’s no such thing as good value in football transfers in the modern game.
Additionally, 95% believe top-flight clubs should focus more on developing talent, rather than simply buying it in.
The study also revealed the habits of keen football fans with over a third using their handset to watch highlights, and 23% scroll social media to gather views on recent games.
Over half (55%) admit they’re using their mobile phone ‘more than ever’ to keep on top of all the football. But 35% would rather their side’s bitterest rivals won the league – than lose their phone.
Lewis Henry, of iD Mobile, which claims its customers can save an average of £230-a-year, said: “Keeping up with football isn’t just about waiting for the TV highlights on Saturday nights anymore.
“It’s possible to stream live games via your phone anywhere in the world and fans in the pre-2000’s era couldn’t have dreamed of this kind of access to the game.”
