The Saudi Pro League has been graced with an Al Hilal masterclass this season. Despite, losing their marquee signing Neymar to an ACL injury, the Blue Waves sit comfortably at the top of the league. However, they are not resting on their laurels. Jorge Jesus and his team are looking to bolster the squad with a player Neymar knows quite well. Also, the player is quite comfortable in playing the style required by Al Hilal at this stage of the season.

There have also been talks regarding a replacement for the former PSG man. However, recent reports did indicate that his recovery was going better than expected and this could prompt a change of plans from the Saudi side.

Al Hilal set for major squad boost with La Liga winner on the radar

Fabrizio Romano has just confirmed Al Hilal’s transfer plan. He tweeted via X, “Al Hilal are in advanced talks to sign Renan Lodi from Olympique Marseille. Negotiations will continue for a fee around $22m.” In another statement, Romano revealed that Marseille was looking to replace Lodi with Scottish full-back Josh Doig. Lodi who has played for Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid is a defensive-minded full-back who is good on the ball. Here’s how Lodi could fit in as an apt Neymar replacement, keeping the entire squad’s balance and requirements in mind.

🚨🔵 Al Hilal are in advanced talks to sign Renan Lodi from Olympique Marseille.

Negotiations will continue for fee around €20m. @MatteMoretto 🇧🇷

OM are advancing to final stages of Josh Doig deal as new fullback for Gattuso — getting closer. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024

With 19 caps for the Brazil national team, the full-back is fairly experienced and the price is cheap when considering his relatively young age of 25, and his contract is a long-term one of 4 years. Considering that Al Hilal has scored the most league goals this season (59), it seems the upper management has prioritized a defensive reinforcement against a like-for-like Neymar sub. It makes sense, considering the lethal form of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Malcom.

However, despite previous reports of using an attacking left-back as a Neymar replacement, the club is still exploring their options. There have also been strong links to an MLS player who was the top goal-scorer last season.

A versatile attacker from the USA could also walk in as Neymar’s replacement

The 18-time Saudi champions have a strong interest in LAFC winger Denis Bouanga. Bouanga is one of the most high-profile players in the MLS having emerged as top scorer in both the league (20) and the CONCACAF Champions Cup (7). His contributions helped LAFC lift the league title last season, and it seems he is open to a new challenge.

However, competition for the Gabonese international is expected to be tough. OGC Nice, who is in the middle of a brilliant season, is strongly interested in the player. Perhaps this might be the reason why Al Hilal has not yet pulled the trigger. Interestingly, the player is said to prefer a move to Al Hilal over France!

Should Al Hilal even sign a replacement for Neymar considering the current form on the pitch? Tell us in the comments below.

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