Al-Hilal, one of the premier clubs in the Saudi Pro League, is reportedly preparing to part ways with Brazilian superstar Neymar. His tenure at the club, which began 18 months ago when he transferred from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a substantial fee of €90 million, has been marred by injury issues. Notably, Neymar has faced a significant setback with a recent ACL injury, which has prevented him from consistently contributing to the team’s performance. As a result of these ongoing issues, Al-Hilal is reconsidering their association with the forward, leading them to explore potential strategies for his departure as early as the January transfer window.
The club is currently weighing high-profile candidates to step into Neymar’s role. Among the leading candidates are Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently making headlines at Al-Nassr. The possibility of letting Neymar go has intensified following reports from UOL Esporte, indicating that the club’s frustrations with his frequent injuries might prompt them to initiate contract termination talks soon. Neymar’s potential return to Santos, or a move to the MLS with Inter Miami, is also being discussed, suggesting a shift in his career trajectory as Al-Hilal looks to the future.
Al-Hilal’s ambitions to secure a world-class successor reflect their long-standing desire to raise the profile of the Saudi Pro League. Salah stands out as an ideal choice due to his immense popularity in the Arab world and his significant influence in football. The possibility of acquiring Salah is notable not only because of his talent but also because he could join the club on a free transfer, as his contract with Liverpool is set to expire in the summer. This financial advantage makes the prospect of signing him particularly appealing to the club’s management.
On the other hand, Ronaldo’s success at Al-Nassr since his transfer in 2022 has also made him a subject of interest for Al-Hilal. The Portuguese icon has proven himself as a prolific scorer in the league and would bring a wealth of experience and star power to Al-Hilal if a transfer were to be facilitated. The allure of a potentially sensational bid for Ronaldo reflects the aspirations of Al-Hilal as they aim to further elevate their status in both the regional and international landscape of football.
While Neymar’s exit appears inevitable given the circumstances surrounding his fitness, Al-Hilal seems intent on not only filling the void left by him but also making a statement with the caliber of player they wish to attract. The club’s ongoing efforts to pursue iconic figures like Salah and Ronaldo underscore their ambition to transform their roster with high-profile talents. Their willingness to invest in superstars aligns with the overarching trend in the Saudi Pro League, which has increasingly aimed to lure prominent football figures to the Middle East.
As the landscape of the Saudi Pro League evolves, the impending changes at Al-Hilal signal a broader commitment to enhancing the competitive nature of the league itself. The potential signing of either Salah or Ronaldo could have significant implications beyond just on-field performance, as it would bolster the league’s reputation and draw even more global attention to Saudi football. This strategic shift underscores Al-Hilal’s determination to not only remain competitive domestically but also to assert themselves as a formidable presence on the international football stage, emulating successful models seen in other top leagues.
