Al-Hilal are set to move a step closer to a possible move for Mohamed Salah as Neymar's departure looks set to become a reality.
The reigning Saudi Pro League champions are interested in Liverpool star Salah, who is out of contract this summer. However, in order to make a move over the border, it is expected that they will have to take Neymar's hefty wages off the books.
Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire seemed to be in pole position for a transfer, but that is no longer the case. Santos – the club where the Brazilian started his career – have stolen a march and are closing in on a sensational strike to bring the 32-year-old home.
Al-Hilal is not the only Saudi team showing interest in Salah. Rivals Al-Ittihad failed to sign the Egyptian in the summer of 2023. Salah's future is far from certain, but Neymar's continued presence in Riyadh has been one of the more notable obstacles.
According to reports in Brazil and Europe, Santos is the frontrunner for Neymar. Brazilian outlet Diario do Peixe reported on Sunday that an agreement had already been reached between the player and the purchasing club, and that an initial loan seems the most likely outcome, with Al-Hilal paying part of his wages.
Neymar is one of the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League, and there are suggestions that Al-Hilal could not keep him on their books while paying Salah what he wants. The Brazilian set them back a hefty £77million when he joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, but his stock has fallen after a difficult time with injuries.
The star suffered a cruciate ligament injury on international duty just a few weeks after joining Al-Hilal and has made just two appearances since his return. His contract expires this summer and his club are not expected to exercise an option on a one-year extension following scathing comments from manager Jorge Jesus.
Salah's contract situation will not stop him from playing in Liverpool colors this season. The former Roma star remains the Premier League's top scorer, although he kept a clean sheet on Saturday as the Reds needed a late brace from Darwin Nunez to demolish Brentford.
Arne Slot's team is six points ahead at the top of the rankings after last weekend's matches. Arsenal could only manage a draw against Aston Villa, with Nottingham Forest beating Southampton to draw level with the second-placed Gunners.
If Salah does eventually leave, former Liverpool star Michael Owen has touted Bournemouth and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo as a potential replacement. “He's a brilliant player,” Owen told Premier League Productions. “He scores goals and we don't know if Mohamed Salah will stay or leave, but if he leaves, Semenyo should be his replacement.”
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