In as much as we can be certain about anything that we read - we know that Salah had multiple approaches from Saudi, all of which he turned down. Virgil too had other offers. Both wanted to stay put. Where was the risk? Just because deals are done in what could be considered the last minute, doesn't automatically mean there was any risk involved.
that could be seen as him forcing the club's hand but again you can choose to see that how you like. Maybe he was going for the fan sympathy vote.