Al Hilal ‘in pole position’ to sign Mohamed Salah after shock Neymar twist
Al-Hilal are “in pole position” to sign Mohamed Salah amid speculation about Neymar’s future after he was shockingly left out of their Saudi Pro League squad.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who has worked as a commentator for the Saudi Pro League, insisted that it could be a race between Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr or Al-Ittihad for the Liverpool star’s signature.
Al-Nassr are stepping up efforts to secure Cristiano Ronaldo to a lofty new contract, while Al-Ittihad boast talents such as Karim Benzema and Salah’s former teammate Fabinho.
However, with Neymar’s future in the Middle East uncertain, Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus is thought to be keen to add a new superstar talent to his side alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Jesus confirmed that the legendary Brazilian could feature in the Asian Champions League, but would not be a part of their league squad amid questions over his physical fitness.
Salah, meanwhile, is available to discuss a pre-contract agreement over a move abroad at the end of the season as his Liverpool contract is set to expire in June.
The 32-year-old has long been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia amid speculation they want to make him the face of the league as the world’s most high-profile Muslim footballer.
Mohamed Salah backed to join Al-Hilal after shock Neymar twist
Salah has been vocal about his contract situation at Anfield and, as things stand, there is no new deal on the table for the winger, opening the possibility of a move to the Middle East.
Robinson, who is well-connected within the Saudi Pro League, insisted that there will likely be a three-horse race for the Egyptian’s signature, and the result could hinge on whether Neymar secures a move away from Al-Hilal.
“If Mo Salah is to go to Saudi, there’s only three realistic destinations for him,” he told Football Insider.
“Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, or Al-Nassr.
“Maybe Al-Ahli, but that’s where Ivan Toney has gone, so there’s no real need to strengthen there.
“Al-Nassr have Ronaldo and they’re talking about extending his contract with however many millions he’s on per week, so I think that’ll be a difficult one to do.
“Laurent Blanc is the manager at Ittihad, they’re a top team, and Karim Benzema is there too so Salah could link up with him.
“Al-Hilal might be the one because of Neymar and his injuries.
“If Neymar leaves Al-Hilal, I think there’s every chance Salah ends up there. They’re in pole position.
“Mitrovic has been scoring their goals, he’s the Pro League’s top goalscorer this year.
“So if Neymar does leave Al-Hilal, I think that could be Salah’s destination to play under Jorge Jesus.”
In other news, Liverpool and Man United in race to sign Wolves’ Joao Gomes.
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