The summer transfer window was quite a busy one for Al Hilal. Not only did they spend over $380 million, but their splurging surpassed that of any other club worldwide. However, it seems the Gulf club is eager to add more firepower to their squad, as they have asked a Brazilian team for $12 million to purchase an ex-Premier League star.

Already, the club is hurting with the absence of Neymar, who is nursing his season-ending injury, as they are yet to sign a replacement. But it seems the club has found the ideal backup.

Al Hilal asks for a contract buyout in an attempt to replace Neymar

The natural course of transfer has usually seen interesting teams sign a cheque for the players they wish to sign. But this isn’t the case this time, as Al Hilal is demanding money from the same club from which they hope to sign a player. It turns out that the Riyadh-based club is interested in signing Brazilian attacker Matheus Pereira. However, the management of Al Hilal has requested 12 million euros ($13 million) from the player’s current club, Cruzeiro, to facilitate a buyout of the remaining term of the midfielder’s contract. Notably, Pereira’s current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2024.

However, the Saudi Arabian side is impatient to wait till summer and is keen to sign him in the winter transfer window. Additionally, Pereira is also reluctant to sign a contract extension. Either way, it’s unclear whether Cruzeiro will pay heed to Al Hilal’s request. If their plea is rejected by the Brazilian side, then Al-Za’eem would need to look somewhere else or play the fee themselves. Luckily, they already have not one but two transfers shortlisted.

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Who are the other two transfer targets?

Time is of the essence for Al Hilal, as they are impatiently waiting to sign Neymar’s replacement. If Pereira’s deal collapses, they have two transfer targets in mind. First is the $76 million star Raphinha from FC Barcelona. The second name that is on the table is that of Liverpool’s star, Mohamed Salah. 

Additionally, the Reds are also eyeing Raphinha and may let the Egyptian leave at a reduced price. Hence, Al Hilal is open to signing either winger. After creating a legacy in the English Premier League, can you see a future for Mohamed Salah in the Middle East? We invite you to share your views in the comments. 

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