A goal, three assists, and five appearances were what Neymar delivered for Al Hilal, who made a $418 million investment in him. Then, he left Riyadh for Brazil, only to stay home for the remainder of the season. He tore his ACL, while on national duty in October 2023. However, the injured winger’s absence has not affected the top-seeded Al Hilal’s winning streak in the Saudi league. Nevertheless, the team needs a star player who could replace Neymar on the left wing. If not a forward/striker, an attacking full-back could also replace him in the roster, provided they amp up the team’s goalscoring prowess from the flanks.

Al Hilal aims to make the best of the January transfer window. Per rumors, a winger and two full-backs, who play outside the Saudi Pro League, could compensate for Neymar’s absence in Riyadh, if pursued.

Al Hilal zooms into the MLS, EPL, and Bundesliga to hunt for Neymar’s replacement

Al Hilal already houses a goal machine of a striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic. However, the side’s left wing is not the same, as the injury has forced Neymar out. To end this woe, the Riyadh-based outfit is trying to land Los Angeles FC winger Denis Bouanga. The LAFC attacker scored 20 goals, winning the Golden Boot for the 2023 MLS season. Hence, Al Hilal’s attempt to poach the lethal scorer comes as no surprise. If the deal doesn’t materialize, the recruitment team at the club believes an aggressive full-back could fill the Neymar-sized void in their roster.

Left-back Lucas Digne is also on Al Hilal’s radar, as his Aston Villa exit looks imminent. Besides, Digne could compensate for Hilal’s lack of experienced defenders. Furthermore, the player has proven his attacking prowess, with a six-goal contribution this season. The Riyadh club also reportedly is pursuing Bayern Munich’s left-back Raphael Guerreiro, who can also play as a makeshift midfielder. Given this versatility and his providing prowess, Guerreiro could give some respite to the Neymar-less side. Al Hilal eyed another winger who could replace Neymar in the exact position. But the potential move got nipped in the bud.

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How Deco thwarted Al Hilal’s lookout for a winger

Rumors had it that Barcelona’s star right winger Raphinha could move to Al Hilal. Besides, the Blaugrana had decided to sell the player, considering his diminished influence and impact in the last season. However, that was a story of the past, when the club’s sporting director Deco stepped in. The former Portugal star blocked Raphinha’s exit to the Saudi Pro League.

Despite Neymar Jr.’s Interest to Rectify ‘Mistake,’ Al Hilal Quashed His Chances to Return to Barcelona

Since Al Hilal is now forced to forget Raphinha, they continue to look for Neymar’s replacement even if it is a full-back. If LAFC’s Bouanga doesn’t give in, a versatile full-back can galvanize the team’s attack and defense.

Nonetheless, Neymar’s injury will continue to haunt the Saudi giants for the foreseeable future. But can the Riyadh-based club maintain that consistency and continue leading the league table with Neymar? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

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