Liverpool handed Mohamed Salah transfer headache as Neymar closes in on shock move

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future remains uncertain, but the first domino could be about to fall to pave the way for a Saudi Pro League switch for the Egypt international

Al-Hilal are set to move one step closer to a potential move for Mohamed Salah as Neymar’s exit looks like becoming a reality.

The reigning Saudi Pro League champions are keen on Liverpool star Salah, who is out of contract in the summer. However, in order to get a move over the line, they’re expected to need to get Neymar’s hefty wages off the books.

Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire had appeared to be in pole position for a move, but that’s no longer the case. Santos – the club where the Brazilian began his career – have stolen a march and are closing in on a sensational swoop to bring the 32-year-old home.

Al-Hilal aren’t the only Saudi team to express an interest in Salah, with rivals Al-Ittihad failing with efforts to sign the Egyptian in the summer of 2023. Salah’s future is far from settled, but Neymar’s continued presence in Riyadh was among the more notable obstacles.

According to reports in Brazil and in Europe, Santos are the front-runners for Neymar. Brazilian outlet Diario do Peixe reported on Sunday that an agreement between the player and the buying club was already in place, and an initial loan appears the most likely outcome – with Al-Hilal paying a portion of his wages.

Neymar is among the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League, and there have been suggestions Al-Hilal wouldn’t be able to keep him on their books while also paying Salah what he wants. The Brazilian set them back a hefty £77million when he joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, but his stock has fallen after a tough time with injuries.

The star suffered an ACL injury on international duty just a few weeks after joining Al-Hilal, and has played just twice since his return. He is out of contract in the summer, with his club not expected to exercise an option for a one-year extension after damning comments from manager Jorge Jesus.

Does Neymar’s move mean Mohamed Salah will join Al-Hilal? Give your verdict in the comments section

Salah’s contract situation hasn’t stopped him performing in Liverpool colours this season. The former Roma star remains the top scorer in the Premier League, though he drew a blank on Saturday as the Reds needed a late brace from Darwin Nunez to break down Brentford.

Arne Slot’s side sit six points clear at the top of the table after the weekend’s fixtures. Arsenal could only manage a draw with Aston Villa, with Nottingham Forest beating Southampton to move level with the second-placed Gunners.

If Salah does end up leaving, former Liverpool star Michael Owen has touted Bournemouth and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo as a potential replacement. “He is a brilliant player,” Owen told Premier League Productions. “He scores goals – and we don’t know if Mohamed Salah will stay or leave but, if he leaves, Semenyo should be his replacement.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.