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Al-Hilal have switched their attention to a Manchester United star after failing in their pursuit to sign Mohamed Salah, at least temporarily.

The Saudi club’s interest in Salah has been well documented.



The Egyptian is arguably the most popular Arab footballer ever, and he is seen as a player who will bring not just sporting, but financial value to the Saudi Pro League.

Several clubs in the Gulf nation have been keen on signing him, but Al-Hilal are seen as the most interested.

Before Salah signed a new contract, the Saudi club were willing to offer him a lucrative two-year deal worth £65 million in total – meaning £625,000 per week.

At some point, a Saudi minister even made some big claims about Salah and Al-Hilal, suggesting the deal was almost complete.

However, Salah snubbed the riches of Saudi Arabia to stay at Liverpool, effectively ending his pursuit by Saudi clubs.

With the 32-year-old now out of reach, Al-Hilal have now turned their attention to signing Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes.

The 30-year-old playmaker has been The Red Devils’ best player again this season, registering 19 goals and 18 assists so far.

He is one of the few players the club would not be open to selling this summer as they look to rebuild under Ruben Amorim.

However, the Daily Mail claims that United will have to fight off interest from Al-Hilal, who are willing to channel the funds meant for Salah’s purchase in getting Fernandes.

“Bruno Fernandes could be the target for a big-money offer from Al-Hilal this summer,” Chris Weeler and Nathan  Salt of the Daily Mail wrote on Monday.

“The Saudi Pro League club have the funds for a star signing after Mohamed Salah decided to stay at Liverpool, and reports in the Middle East claim that Fernandes’ representatives held talks with Al-Hilal on Monday.”

The report did clarify that Manchester United have no intention of selling Fernandes.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s minister of sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, recently;y revealed that league are trying to change the perception that they only sign aging players.

He also revealed that interest in Mohamed Salah has not decreased, but they are prioritising the signings of young stars.

“I mean he’s a superstar.

He fits the identity of playing in the Saudi league.”

“Now you can see that any player wants to renew their contract or sign, they [the media] are saying that they’re coming to Saudi and 90% of it is not true.”

“If you see the last number of players that we signed or the club signed are mostly young players wanting to develop the league.”

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