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Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are reportedly confident in their pursuit of Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah after securing a deal to sell Brazilian star Neymar, who will rejoin his boyhood club Santos in a romantic reunion, TEAMtalk understands.
Salah’s current contract at Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season, and Al-Hilal are eager to bring him to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer this summer. The sale of Neymar to Santos, along with the £ 138 million per year salary taken off the wage bill, would provide the financial flexibility to accommodate Salah, who would become one of the highest-paid players in football if he makes the move.
Liverpool have been trying to negotiate a contract extension with Salah, but the Egyptian international has yet to commit to a new deal, leaving his options open. Al-Hilal’s chief negotiators have made signing Salah a top priority, with plans to make him a flagship player for the Saudi Pro League, joining fellow superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in a bid to boost the league’s international profile.
The Saudi club has maintained a positive relationship with Salah’s representatives after attempting to sign him last summer, and Salah is well aware of the lucrative contract that awaits him should he choose to make the switch to the Gulf State.
Liverpool remain in talks with Salah, who has stated he will wait for negotiations to be concluded before deciding on his future. However, the salary terms offered by Al-Hilal far exceed anything Liverpool can offer, and the question remains whether that financial incentive will influence Salah’s decision.
Despite being on a significant wage of around £350,000 per week at Liverpool, Salah has been instrumental in the club’s success under manager Arne Slot this season, currently leading the Premier League’s top scorer chart with 19 goals in 22 games. However, sources close to the club have confirmed that they are already exploring potential replacements should Salah decide to leave.
While many in Saudi Arabia are optimistic that Salah will join Al-Hilal next season, those at Liverpool insist that nothing has been decided yet.
