Mo Salah contract news: Liverpool striker named by Al Hilal for transfer as Neymar replacement | Football News
Al Hilal is ready to offer Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah a lucrative contract if he wants to leave Europe and play in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi champions are looking for a top-class signing to replace Neymar.
Neymar’s contract expires at the end of this season and Al Hilal can offer to make Salah one of the stars at the expanded Club World Cup in the US in June and July.
Salah will be a free agent this summer and has had the opportunity to speak to foreign clubs since the beginning of this month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
As Salah’s future at Liverpool remains unclear, take a look at some of his best goals and assists so far this season
Liverpool rejected a £150m bid from Al Ittihad for Salah in August 2023.
One of the most powerful figures in Saudi sports, Turki Alalshikh, posted a mock image of Salah in an Al-Hilal jersey on Facebook on Wednesday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Salah reacts to
Alalshikh is chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and is close to the kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Alalshikh was the mastermind behind Saudi Arabia’s huge investment in boxing, but he is also known to have ties to Al Hilal.
Salah, who turns 33 in June, believes he is still at his peak and can continue to play at the highest level in Europe.
“Saudis will facilitate Salah’s move if he wants it”
Kaveh Solhekol, chief reporter at Sky Sports News:
“When it comes to Salah and Saudi Arabia, once bitten, twice shy. The Saudis tried to sign Salah 18 months ago.”
“Al Ittihad made an offer that was supposed to be worth up to £150m but that was rejected and Salah decided to stay at Liverpool. Since then, they have always been very cautious about another move for Salah.”
“We have been told time and time again that if Salah wants to go to Saudi Arabia, his representatives must contact him and they will make it happen. They would like to see Salah play in the Saudi Pro League.”
“Al Hilal, who are currently champions and the biggest club, have Neymar, whose contract expires at the end of the season. They are looking for a replacement. His time there didn’t go according to plan. But they would only make a move if Salah feels that now is the time to leave Europe.
Salah at the beginning of January: It’s my last six months – there is no progress
In conversation with Sky Sports After delivering an outstanding Man of the Match performance in Liverpool’s 5-0 win over West Ham on December 29, Salah said he was still “a long way away” from agreeing a new contract with Liverpool – and he previously repeated the same thing in an interview this month.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Salah continued to doubt his future at Liverpool, saying in an interview with Sky Sports’ Patrick Davison that it would be his last year at Anfield
When asked if he really believed that this would be his last season at the club, he replied Sky Sports‘ Patrick Davison: “So far, yes. It’s the last six months. There is no progress there. We are a long way from progress. So we’ll just have to wait and see.”
When asked how he maintained his focus, he replied: “I feel like this: If it’s the last six months, what do you want to see in the future?”
“Do you want to look back and say, ‘I was worried or stressed about the contract?’ Or do you just want to say, “I had an incredible season?” That’s what’s going on in my head.
“If I ever feel distracted, I just remind myself that I want to look back and say I had an incredible season. That’s what I want to do.”
Slot in December: I don’t talk about contract situations in press conferences
Liverpool manager Arne Slot:
“In general, I don’t talk about contract situations here. It would be a surprise if I were the one to announce that one of them has extended.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Arne Slot says he avoids social media and headlines surrounding his Liverpool players’ contracts and performances
“Keep asking, that’s your job, but you probably won’t get an answer from me.
“It is clear that from January 1st things will change a lot, perhaps for you, but they are in constant discussions with the club and let’s wait and see what happens.”
“As long as they continue like this, the head coach will be happy.”
Klopp: I hope Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk all stay
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says he hopes Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk will stay at Liverpool during contract negotiations and bring them to Red Bull
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp:
“I’m so glad they’re okay. I’m in contact with Arne (slot) and some players who text me. 0.1 percent are of the opinion that I should still be there because they are doing so well.”
“I watch as many games as possible because it is such good football, perhaps the most balanced team in the world at the moment.”
“I’m so glad that I’m not responsible for answering these questions at the moment and from my perspective I hope all three extend, but they haven’t told me.”
