Al-Hilal line up superstar Neymar replacement

Robin Bairner

• 7 Nov 2024 08:45 GMT
• 3 min read

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are prepared to release Neymar at the end of his contract in June, but they are lining up a world-class replacement for the former PSG star, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo both subject of interest.

Neymar has suffered a nightmare time since moving to Al-Hilal for €90 million from PSG 18 months ago, with an ACL injury keeping him on the sidelines for much of that time. In just his second game back, he was forced to leave the pitch injured.

UOL Esporte reports that the Saudi club have grown so frustrated with the situation that they could terminate Neymar’s contract as soon as January.

Already Al-Hilal are planning for life without the Brazilian, who has struggled to live up to his lavish salary and is linked with a return to Santos when his contract is up. Inter Miami are also rumoured to be interested in him, with Neymar having bought a house close to Lionel Messi’s club.

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Ronaldo or Salah to replace Neymar?

Saudi media report that they are lining up a sensational offer for Ronaldo, who has been prolific in the Pro League since moving to Al-Nassr as a free agent shortly after the 2022 World Cup, having been released by Manchester United at that point.

Action Ma3, which carries the broadcast rights to the Pro League, states Ronaldo is wanted by Al-Hilal.

TalkSport, meanwhile, indicates that Salah is being targeted as Neymar’s replacement.

The Egypt ace is a superstar in the Arab world and is a player that the Saudi Pro League has long coveted. Out of contract with Liverpool in the summer, he could potentially hook up with Al-Hilal on a free transfer.

The Reds knocked back a bid worth €175m from Al-Ittihad for Salah in 2023, but with the player destined to become a free agent unless there is a significant shift, a deal looks altogether more possible in the months ahead.

Although the era of Neymar at Al-Hilal may be coming to an end, another superstar is set to fill his boots. The question is just: who will it be?