Al Hilal could use an ‘exceptional’ transfer loophole to sign Mohamed Salah from Liverpool in the gap between the January and summer windows.
It comes amid reports of the Saudi Pro League side eyeing Salah as a possible replacement for Neymar – rumours which were recently stoked by Saudi sports supremo Turki Alalshikh.
Neymar is out of contract at Al Hilal at the end of the season and is set to leave after barely even playing over his lucrative two-year spell in the Middle East.
The Brazilian arrived as one of the mega-money posterboy signings of the newly-minted Saudi Pro League, along with Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, but injuries have blighted his career in the Middle East, restricting him to only seven appearances in total.
With the ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward expected to move on, Al Hilal are on the hunt for their next superstar – with Salah firmly in their sights.
Salah is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season and could be available on a free transfer in the summer, and Alalshikh – ‘the most connected person on all of Saudi sport’ – recently hinted a deal was on the cards by posting a photoshopped image of Salah in a Al Hilal shirt on social media.
It is understood Liverpool remain confident of getting their Egyptian King to commit to a new deal to stay put at Anfield.
However, talkSPORT’s transfer correspondent Ben Jacobs also revealed that the ‘exceptional window’ could throw up some surprises.
“Keep an eye on the exceptional window between the 1st and 10th of June, when any federation can take FIFA up on this window to sign players in the build up to the Club World Cup.
“The English FA haven’t decided yet. It’s all clubs, not just Club World Cup teams, so that’s the debate here – do you do it to benefit Chelsea and Man City, or do the other 18 Premier League clubs say, ‘We’re not that interested’?
“The Saudi FA have already said, ‘Yes’, so Al Hilal have the opportunity to sign Salah on a free transfer, potentially in the build up to the Club World Cup and then use him at that tournament.
“That is a consideration, but at the moment Liverpool still feel he offer is there for Salah and remain optimistic he will extend.
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“That’s despite this little tease from Turki Alalshikh, and usually when he reveals something – he’s the guy behind the boxing in Saudi Arabia for example – nine times out of ten when he posts something there’s some substance to it.
“So Salah and Saudi, even though Liverpool are optimistic, remains one to watch.”
To add to this, Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo – Chelsea’s former director of football – has a strong relationship with the 32-year-old Egyptian.
Fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad made a £150million move for the Liverpool star 18 months ago, although the bid was rejected by the Premier League giants.
Salah is approaching the end of his contract at Liverpool and has been frequently vocal about the lack of progress from the club with regards to offering him an extension – admitting he is ‘more out than in’.
This January window has opened up the chance for Salah to discuss his future with other clubs, as he will be a free agent in the summer.
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Salah has been at the centre of a media storm surrounding his future alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.
Alexander-Arnold is nearing a move to Real Madrid, whilst Salah has been keen on staying in Europe as he still believes he can perform at his peak.
The Egypt international is leading Liverpool’s title charge this season, having netted 18 goals and 13 assists at the halfway point of the campaign.
Salah recently admitted that he felt it was his final season at Anfield, although no formal approach has been made for the Egypt international.
