Reigning Saudi Arabian Pro League champions Al Hilal have listed Mohamed Salah as the ideal REPLACEMENT for Neymar, who could reunite with his former Barcelona teammates at Inter Miami, according to a report.
Neymar's hugely expensive move to Saudi Arabia has decidedly not paid off. After leaving Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of around €90m (£78m) in 2023, the Brazilian has only been fit for seven competitive games. Neymar's contract expires in the summer – although there is the possibility of a one-year extension – and El Hilal it is thought that they are planning his departure.
Liverpool's Salah has been identified as the ideal name to replace the departing Brazilian, according to the Spanish publication. neither.
Like Neymar, Salah will become a free agent in July and can now begin negotiations for a free transfer. The 32-year-old is enjoying the best form of his Premier League career but has repeatedly stressed that this is his. “last year” in Liverpool based on the current state of contract negotiations.
While a large number of European clubs, such as PSG and Barcelona, are presented as possible destinations for Salah, the Saudi Pro League has maintained a long-term interest in buying the Egyptian star.
Hafez Al Medlej, the former head of the league's marketing and finance company and a prominent figure within the Asian Football Confederation, has previously said: “We have to start working on signing Mohamed Salah because he is extremely popular in the Arab world and in Europe.” Fans of Al Hilal's rivals, Al Ittihad, have even been seen wearing Salah masks during matches.
While Salah's destination next season – which could still be Liverpool – remains uncertain, Neymar has been heavily linked with a move to Major League Soccer. Inter Miamiwhere he could be reunited with a plethora of former Barcelona teammates.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar formed one of the most powerful attacking trios in modern football history. The triumvirate scored 122 goals between them while in charge Barcelona to a European treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League in 2014/15.
In an interview with CNN This week, Neymar admitted: “Of course, playing with Messi and Suarez again would be incredible. They are my friends, we still talk to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio. I am happy at Al Hilal, I am happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows that football is full of surprises.