Al Hilal could take advantage of a little-known transfer loophole to sign Mohamed Salah
Al Hilal could take advantage of an “exceptional” transfer loophole to sign Mohamed Salah from Liverpool in the gap between the January and summer windows.
It comes amid reports that the Saudi Pro League team is considering Salah as a possible replacement for Neymar – Rumors recently fueled by Saudi sports chief Turki Alalshikh.
Neymar ends his contract with Al Hilal at the end of the season and will leave after He barely played during his lucrative two-year stint. in the Middle East.
The Brazilian arrived as one of the most lucrative signings in the newly formed Saudi Pro League, alongside Al-Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo, but injuries have blighted his career in the Middle East, restricting him to just seven appearances in total.
With the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker 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 with Liverpool at the end of the season and could be available on a free transfer in the summer, and Alalshikh – “the most connected person in all of Saudi sport” – recently hinted that a deal was on the cards by posting an image Photoshopped Salah wearing an Al Hilal t-shirt on social media.
Liverpool are understood to remain confident of getting their Egyptian king to commit to a new deal to stay at Anfield.
However, talkSPORT transfer correspondent Ben Jacobs also revealed that the “exceptional window” could hold some surprises.
“Keep an eye out for the exceptional window between June 1 and 10, when any federation can take advantage of FIFA in this window to sign players in preparation for the Club World Cup.
“The English FA hasn't decided yet. It's all the clubs, not just the Club World Cup teams, so that's the debate here: do they do it for the benefit of Chelsea and Manchester City, or the other 18 Premier League clubs say: 'We'? 'You're not that interested'?
“The Saudi Federation has 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 in that tournament.
“That is one consideration, but at the moment Liverpool still feel the offer is there for Salah and remain optimistic that he will extend it.
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“That's despite this little joke from Turki Alalshikh, and usually when he reveals something (he's the guy behind 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 Arabia, although Liverpool are optimistic, are still two players to watch closely.”
Furthermore, Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo, former Chelsea director of football, has a strong relationship with the 32-year-old Egyptian.
Fellow Saudi Pro League player 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 They frequently express their lack of progress of the club regarding offering him an extension, admitting that he is “more out than in.”
This January window has opened the opportunity 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 center of a media storm surrounding his future along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.
Alexander-Arnold is about to sign for Real Madridwhile Salah has wanted to stay in Europe because he still believes he can perform at his best.
The Egyptian international is leading Liverpool's title fight this season, having scored 18 goals and 13 assists halfway through the campaign.
Salah recently admitted that He felt it was his last season at Anfieldalthough no formal approach has been made for the Egypt international.
