Al-Hilal are considering potential replacements for Neymar, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom represent significant marquee options.
Neymar, who made a high-profile transfer to Al-Hilal for a staggering €90 million from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) just 18 months ago, has seen his time at the club marred by frequent injuries.
The latest setback, an ACL injury, has been particularly detrimental, sidelining him for extended periods and fueling the club’s growing frustration regarding his fitness.
Recent reports from Brazilian media outlet UOL Esporte indicate that Al-Hilal’s management is contemplating the possibility of terminating Neymar’s contract as soon as the January transfer window opens. This decision reflects the club’s urgency to resolve the ongoing challenges posed by his recurring injury issues.
In light of Neymar’s potential departure, a report published by Football Transfer revealed that Al-Hilal is actively pursuing high-profile replacements to fill the void left by the Brazilian star.
There’s speculation that Neymar might be returning to his roots at Santos or possibly making a move to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, thereby further motivating Al-Hilal to act swiftly.
Saudi broadcaster Action Ma3 has echoed these sentiments, stating that Al-Hilal is eyeing Cristiano Ronaldo for a sensational bid. Since joining Al-Nassr in 2022, Ronaldo has enjoyed a prolific scoring record, making him a highly attractive prospect in the Saudi league.
Also, reports from TalkSport suggest that Mohamed Salah is another star figure on Al-Hilal’s radar. The Egyptian forward is not just a footballing icon in the Arab world, but he also represents a strategic opportunity for Al-Hilal.
With his contract with Liverpool set to expire in the summer of 2024, there is potential for Salah to join Al-Hilal on a free transfer, which would be a significant coup for the club.