Al-Hilal has reportedly shifted their focus away from Cristiano Ronaldo and identified Liverpool’s prolific forward, Mohamed Salah, as their primary target in the upcoming January 2025 transfer window.
According to Give Me Sport journalist Ben Jacobs, the Saudi Pro League (SPL) giants are determined to secure Salah’s signature, prioritizing his acquisition to strengthen their squad under head coach Jorge Jesus.
This isn’t the first time the Egyptian star has been linked with a move to the SPL. In 2023, Al-Ittihad offered a staggering £150 million (approximately RM706 million) for Salah, but the bid was swiftly rejected by Liverpool’s then-chairman, Mike Gordon. That rejection prompted SPL sporting director Michael Emenalo to adopt a more calculated approach in any future negotiations.
Emenalo’s previous working relationship with Salah during their time at Chelsea could play a pivotal role in the transfer saga. Additionally, SPL clubs, including Al-Hilal, are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with Liverpool, respecting the club’s position while attempting to bring Salah to Saudi Arabia.
If Salah decides to leave Anfield, his priorities are likely to include securing a lucrative financial package and determining the ideal timing for his departure. These considerations echo the path taken by Roberto Firmino, who smoothly transitioned from Liverpool to Al-Ahli in 2023 after transparent negotiations.
For Al-Hilal, Salah is seen as the ideal solution to strengthen their right flank, a position identified as critical by Jorge Jesus. The club aims to finalize the deal during the extraordinary transfer window from June 1 to June 10, 2025, strategically timed for teams competing in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The SPL views Salah not just as a footballing asset but also as a commercial catalyst. His presence could significantly enhance the league’s international appeal, especially with critical broadcast rights negotiations slated for 2025. Salah’s arrival is expected to attract global attention and foster heightened interest from fans in Egypt, his home country.
Al-Hilal’s decision not to target Cristiano Ronaldo stems from multiple factors. Chiefly, Ronaldo’s allegiance to their rivals, Al-Nassr, makes such a pursuit contentious. Signing the Portuguese legend would likely provoke backlash from Al-Hilal supporters. Moreover, Ronaldo himself appears committed to Al-Nassr, with his current contract running until 2025 and strong indications of a possible extension to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Al-Hilal’s attempt to secure Mohamed Salah. The move could not only reshape their squad but also amplify the SPL’s global footprint. However, Liverpool’s stance and Salah’s personal preferences will ultimately determine whether the Egyptian King makes the leap to Saudi Arabia.
Credit Photo : LFC
