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