Neymar replacement found at Man Utd
Robin Bairner
- 16 Nov 2023 08:27 GMT
- 3 min read
Neymar’s long-term injury has prompted Al-Hilal to consider Jadon Sancho of Manchester United as an alternative for the Brazil international star.
Neymar is unlikely to play again this season after suffering a serious knee injury and the Saudi Pro League club are eager to find an alternative to the former Barcelona star, who they signed from PSG in the summer for €90 million in a league-record transfer.
Sancho is being touted as a viable alternative, with the England winger presently frozen out at Man Utd under manager Erik ten Hag after a long-running dispute.
MORE: Man Utd's January priorities for Ten Hag's 'reset' revealed
Although reports suggest incoming minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to push for Ten Hag to make up with the winger, the likelihood is that will not be possible after months of antipathy between the two parties.
With options in Europe few and far between because of Sancho’s big wages and the type of transfer fee he might command, the Saudi Pro League is a logical destination for the 23-year-old.
And Caught Offside believes that Al-Hilal will seek to sign Sancho as a replacement for Neymar, with Jorge Jesus’ side not seeking a “like-for-like” replacement for the South American.
MORE: Jadon Sancho to Juventus: The only way a deal can happen
Sancho a strong Pro League signing
Sancho would fit the bill in many ways. He carries the type of high profile that the Saudis love while he is also an exciting offensive player who would attract fans to watch Al-Hilal’s matches.
On top of this, he would buck the trend of aging stars moving to the league. At 23 years old, he still has the best years of his career ahead of him, in theory at least, and could potentially be a leading player for the next decade or so.
Questions have been raised about the player’s work ethic, however, and if he were to be handed a lucrative contract by Al-Hilal it remains to be seen how his attitude might hold up over a prolonged period.
