Eyeing Neymar’s Replacement, Al Hilal Set to Lure Mohamed Salah Away From Liverpool: Reports

Despite a glaring ‘Neymar-sized hole’ in attack, Al Hilal is dominating the Saudi Pro League. With 53 points, they sit top of the table, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr. Nobody expected such dominance after injury ruled out their $98 million star for the season. However, Aleksandar Mitrovic rose to the occasion with 17 goals in those many games. Yet, Al Hilal does not want to put all their eggs in one basket and is said to be interested in Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in a transfer race; which could also involve Al Ittihad, the reigning champions.

After their recent results, Luis Castro’s side is building momentum and is catching up with Al Hilal, being just 7 points behind. Hence, it looks like upper management wants to act decisively in the January transfer window. Else, it could prove costly in the title race.

Will Al Hilal finally move for the ‘ranked’ Liverpool star and ‘cover or replace’ Neymar?

As per sports broadcaster Ben Jacobs, Mohamed Salah could be set to end his 6.5-year stay at Merseyside. He said via X, “Al-Hilal also expected to try for Mo Salah. He was on their wish list last summer ‘ranked’ behind Lionel Messi and Neymar.” However, he did add that Al Ittihad has the first preference due to their position as the defending champions and subsequent participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. Al Ittihad also had come close to signing the Egyptian previously. The links to the lethal scorer also bring further speculation into the extent of Neymar’s injury. As per Jacobs, “Al-Hilal are contemplating options to cover or replace Neymar, depending on how his recovery goes.”

Considering the stature of both players, Mohamed Salah might well be the Neymar replacement. Furthermore, he did add that Al Hilal wants to add another defender to their ranks. Salah also enjoys a stellar reputation in the Middle East for his sporting achievements and charity work. Even the Saudi League chief has admitted he wants to see the Liverpool man make the move. However, convincing Liverpool and FSG for the transfer will not be easy.

Read More: “He Will Stay at Liverpool” – Fabinho Plays Down Mohamed Salah’s Saudi Pro League Transfer Rumors

Can Liverpool afford to let Mohamed Salah go?

As usual, the Egyptian has been one of the best players in the Premier League, let alone Liverpool. This season he has racked up 14 goals and 8 assists in 20 league games. Moreover, he is also the key reason why Jurgen Kopp & Co. sit at the top of the league. Although a transfer would bring in a huge fee, Liverpool’s attack is in the middle of a transition, with Mohamed Salah being the only experienced veteran.

New stars like Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo have not been the most clinical in front of goal. The trio have just 11 goals combined, which is less than Mohamed Salah himself. The other attacker, Diogo Jota is not reliable fitness-wise and keeps missing out. Additionally, there are very few wingers in the world who could be a suitable replacement that the Merseyside club would consider.

Will Mohamed Salah move to the SPL in January? Let us know in the comments below.

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