The Saudi Pro League’s ambition to reshape football’s power dynamics has taken another audacious turn, with Al Hilal pivoting swiftly from the collapse of Neymar’s ill-fated tenure to a renewed pursuit of Mohamed Salah. The Brazilian’s departure, confirmed this week by mutual consent after a season marred by injury and inertia, leaves a vacuum at the Riyadh club—one they aim to fill with a player whose global appeal and relentless productivity make him the crown jewel of Middle Eastern football’s expansionist vision.
Neymar’s $300 million, two-year deal at Al Hilal lasted just five months and 428 minutes of competitive action before a torn ACL in October 2023 derailed his Saudi adventure. His return to Santos, while emotionally resonant, underscores the fragility of superstar imports in a league still grappling with its identity. For Al Hilal, however, the financial flexibility created by his exit—and the urgency to salvage prestige—has refocused attention on Salah, a long-coveted target whose contract at Liverpool expires in 2025.
Liverpool rejected a $180 million bid from Al Ittihad last summer, but the calculus has shifted. With no transfer fee required if Salah runs down his deal, Al Hilal could leverage FIFA’s newly approved “exceptional” transfer window (June 1–10) to register him ahead of the Club World Cup in the U.S., where they will compete alongside Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. The tournament, a pet project of FIFA’s bid to globalize club football, offers Al Hilal a glittering stage to unveil Salah as the face of Saudi ambition—a symbolic counterpunch to Europe’s dominance.
For Salah, the allure is twofold: a salary likely eclipsing Cristiano Ronaldo’s $200 million annual earnings at Al Nassr, and a chance to spearhead a project positioning Saudi Arabia as football’s next frontier. Yet the 31-year-old remains integral to Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League campaigns, his 14 goals this season a testament to his undiminished edge. Contract talks with the Reds have stalled, sources say, with Fenway Sports Group wary of committing long-term to a player entering his twilight years.
Al Hilal’s strategy hinges on more than financial might. The club leads the Saudi Pro League by seven points, bolstered by a squad featuring Aleksandar Mitrović, Rúben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly. Adding Salah would not only elevate their on-field credentials but amplify the league’s credibility—a priority for a nation hosting the 2034 World Cup.
Yet questions linger. Can the Saudi Pro League sustain its galactico model beyond short-term spectacle? Neymar’s fleeting impact and Karim Benzema’s turbulent stint at Al Ittihad suggest a disconnect between star power and systemic growth. Salah, a model professional with unmatched durability, might defy that trend. Or he could become another emblem of a league still searching for its soul.
FAQs:
- Why is Al Hilal targeting Mohamed Salah after Neymar’s exit?
Neymar’s departure freed up financial resources, and Salah’s global stature aligns with Al Hilal’s strategy to dominate Saudi football and enhance league prestige. - How does FIFA’s “exceptional” transfer window benefit Al Hilal?
The June 1–10 window allows Al Hilal to sign Salah before the Club World Cup, circumventing standard registration periods to bolster their squad. - What challenges could hinder Salah’s move to Saudi Arabia?
Liverpool’s reliance on Salah and his pivotal role in their title race may delay negotiations, while the league’s credibility issues pose long-term risks. - How does Salah’s potential salary compare to other Saudi Pro League stars?
Salah’s earnings would likely surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s $200 million/year deal, making him one of the world’s highest-paid athletes. - Has Salah previously been linked with Saudi clubs?
Yes—Al Ittihad bid $180 million for him in 2023, but Liverpool rejected the offer.
