Al-Hilal eye potential move for Real Madrid star and ex-Liverpool man in addition to Lionel Messi - Reports
Saudi giants Al Hilal are reportedly eyeing a move for former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane and Real Madrid's Eden Hazard alongside Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) attacker Lionel Messi.
According to Foot Mercato, Al Hilal want to attract star names to the Saudi Pro League. They're looking to compete with their rivals Al Nassr who signed Cristiano Ronaldo in January. Hence, they are showing interest in his longtime rival Messi.
However, Al-Za'eem are also contemplating a potential move for Bayern Munich's Mane. The 31-year-old's future at the Allianz Arena is in doubt, as he reportedly doesn't feature in Thomas Tuchel's plans. The former Liverpool winger has scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 38 games across competitions this season.
Tuchel is said to be disappointed by Mane's attitude on and off the pitch and is willing to sell him. However, the Senegalese's wages may be a problem for potential European suitors. He earns €20 million per season, but that wouldn't be an issue for Al Hilal. They're reportedly willing to offer Lionel Messi a dizzying salary of €500 million per season to join them as a free agent in the summer.
Mane would be a blockbuster signing for Al Hilal, as he's one of African football's biggest names. Securing his arrival alongside Messi's would be an astounding feat for the Saudi outfit.
The Argentine icon has been in sensational form, scoring 20 goals and contributing as many assists in 39 games across competitions. However, Messi looks set to leave PSG when his contract expires in the summer. He's being linked with Al Hilal and his former club Barcelona.
However, Mane isn't the only forward in Al Hilal's sights this summer. They're also interested in Real Madrid's forgotten man Hazard. The 32-year-old has been surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu, featuring just ten times this season. He has three goal contributions and was approached by former Al Nassr manager Rudi Garcia in January.
Hazard ideally wants to see out the remaining year of his contract with Real Madrid. That's despite his lack of game time and the astronomical salary he could earn if he joins Al-Za'eem. MLS side LA Galaxy are also interested in the Real Madrid attacker, which further complicates matters.
Real Madrid legend Guti warns Lionel Messi against returning to Barcelona
Real Madrid icon Guti has said that Barcelona will fail to win the UEFA Champions League with or without Lionel Messi. He has also warned the Argentine hero against a return to the Blaugrana (via GOAL):
"If I were Messi, I wouldn't go back to Barcelona. He already achieved everything there. It's too big of a challenge at this moment. Now, with or without him, Barca won't win the Champions League.”
Messi left Barcelona in 2021 after cementing his legacy as one of, if not, the greatest players in club history. The legendary forward scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 games.
The Blaugrana are now keen for Messi to return once his contract with PSG expires in the summer. That deal will be difficult, though, amid their financial complications. They need to shed €200 million off their wage bill to comply with Financial Fair Play.