Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool forward and Egyptian superstar, is reportedly a top target for Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal as his contract at Anfield approaches its expiration. With Salah set to become a free agent this summer, Al Hilal are ready to offer a lucrative deal to secure the 32-year-old as Neymar’s successor.
Salah’s Contract Standoff at Liverpool
Salah has repeatedly emphasized that this season will likely be his last at Liverpool, with his current contract set to expire on June 30, 2025. Despite Liverpool’s attempts to extend his stay, negotiations have reportedly stalled, and Salah has made it clear that he may seek a new challenge elsewhere.
As the January transfer window opened, Salah became eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs, fueling speculation about his next destination. While Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have shown interest, Al Hilal has emerged as the most determined suitor.
Al Hilal’s Longstanding Interest in Salah
Al Hilal’s admiration for Salah is not new. In the summer of 2023, the Saudi club reportedly made an audacious £150 million bid for the forward, but Liverpool refused to entertain the offer. Now, with Salah nearing free agency, Al Hilal see an opportunity to bring the Egyptian to Riyadh without a transfer fee.
Replacing Neymar at Al Hilal
Salah is viewed as the ideal replacement for Neymar, who has struggled to make an impact since his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia. Neymar’s tenure at Al Hilal has been marred by injuries, including an ACL tear that sidelined him for almost a year. With Neymar excluded from the Pro League squad for the second half of the season, Al Hilal are eager to find a marquee player who can deliver both on and off the pitch.
Timing and Club World Cup Ambitions
Al Hilal are keen to finalize Salah’s signing before the summer’s inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The Saudi champions have been drawn into a group with Real Madrid, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg. Salah’s potential arrival could provide a significant boost to their chances in the tournament’s knockout stages, which he would be eligible to play in after his Liverpool contract expires.
What Salah Brings to Al Hilal
Salah remains one of the world’s most prolific forwards, with 18 Premier League goals and 21 across all competitions this season. His consistency, marketability, and experience on the global stage make him an ideal addition to Al Hilal as they look to strengthen their squad and elevate the profile of Saudi football.
What’s Next?
With Salah’s future at Liverpool increasingly uncertain, the coming months will be pivotal. Al Hilal are prepared to make a significant financial commitment to lure Salah to Saudi Arabia, but the forward’s decision will ultimately depend on his career ambitions and the allure of competing in a growing league.
An official announcement regarding Salah’s next move is expected closer to the end of the season, as the football world waits to see where one of its brightest stars will shine next.
