Saudi champions Al Hilal are eyeing a marquee signing to replace Neymar, whose contract expires at the end of this season. With Mohamed Salah set to become a free agent this summer, Al Hilal could offer him a chance to shine at the expanded Club World Cup in the USA this June and July. Salah has been eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs since the beginning of the month.

Liverpool previously turned down a £150m bid for Salah from Al Ittihad in August 2023, highlighting his value to the club. However, Al Hilal's interest signals a renewed push from Saudi clubs to secure the Egyptian star.

Hints from Saudi Officials and Connections

Turki Alalshikh, chair of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and a close ally of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, added fuel to the speculation by sharing a mocked-up image of Salah in an Al Hilal shirt on Facebook. Alalshikh, a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s sports investments, is linked to Al Hilal and has been instrumental in the Kingdom's efforts to elevate its sports profile.

At 33 in June, Salah remains confident in his ability to perform at the highest level, with the Saudis reportedly ready to back any move if he decides to leave Europe.

Expert Insight: "Saudis Will Act If Salah Wants to Move"

Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol commented:
“When it comes to Salah and Saudi Arabia, it’s a case of once bitten, twice shy. The Saudis tried 18 months ago with a £150m bid from Al Ittihad, but Salah stayed at Liverpool. Since then, they’ve been careful about pursuing him again."

Solhekol emphasized that the ball is in Salah’s court:
"If Salah signals his interest, Saudi clubs will make it happen. Al Hilal, currently the biggest club in Saudi Arabia, is searching for a replacement for Neymar, whose tenure hasn’t gone as planned. But they’ll only move if Salah decides it’s time to leave Europe."

Salah on His Future: "It’s My Last Six Months—No Progress"

In interviews earlier this month, Salah acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future at Liverpool. Speaking after a stellar performance in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over West Ham in December, he admitted:
“It’s the last six months. There is no progress [on a new contract]. We are far from any agreement. We just need to wait and see.”

When asked how he maintains focus, Salah revealed his mindset:
“My priority is to look back and say I had an unbelievable season. If this is my last six months, I don’t want distractions about the contract to take away from my performance.”

As the clock ticks on his Liverpool tenure, all eyes are on Salah’s next move—whether he will stay in Europe or make a high-profile switch to Saudi Arabia.