Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
According to some reports, Pedro Neto has agreed personal terms with Al Hilal ahead of the summer deadline. But the Chelsea winger is not the only Blues player targeted by the Saudi Pro League giants.
As the window’s horizon edges into view, Al Hilal are expected to make a big splash on the market. They are already pushing to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, which could see Villa move for Nicolas Jackson.
Pedro Neto of Chelsea
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Al Hilal, who have already signed Crysencio Summerville in this window, are looking to make more new signings. Pedro Neto is a key target for the Saudi side, though Man City are also interested in the winger.
Now, it appears another Chelsea player is on Al Hilal’s shortlist between now and the end of the window. But in this case, it won’t be a big-money signing. Instead, Chelsea will only entertain a temporary exit.
Suitors for Mamadou Sarr finally boil to the surface
With Trevoh Chalobah gone and Benoit Badiashile set to join Napoli on a loan-to-buy deal, Chelsea are edging closer to the “four or five” centre-backs that Xabi Alonso wants ahead of the new campaign.
Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana look set to remain. But beyond that, there is doubt. Josh Acheampong, Mamadou Sarr, Aaron Anselmino, Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo could all leave Chelsea.
Chelsea v Juventus - Pre-Season Friendly
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Acheampong is an ‘untouchable’ and Alonso likes Anselmino. Tosin has interest, and Disasi is expected to go, while Sarr is also set for a loan. Now, Foot Mercato name the two suitors interested in signing Sarr.
They claim that aside from Neto, Al Hilal are also interested in luring Sarr to the Middle East. But they are not alone, with Xabi Alonso’s old side Real Sociedad – who Chelsea beat on Saturday – are also interested.
Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna posted on X: “Real Sociedad wants to sign Mamadou Sarr on loan. Al-Hilal is also making a move for the Senegalese defender. Discussions are ongoing between the parties.”
Where should Mamadou Sarr go on loan this summer?
If Sarr is to have any chance of making a name for himself at Chelsea, then he needs to go on loan to a club where he is going to play regularly. He needs to join a team that gives him the platform to shine.
Al Hilal certainly would. Whether Chelsea would rate a good season against Saudi Pro League sides, though, is doubtful. Sarr would be better advised remaining in Europe, under Chelsea’s watchful eye.
FBL-EUR-C1-CHELSEA-PSG
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Ideally, a move to a Premier League club would keep Sarr in Chelsea’s thoughts. Perhaps a team just promoted back to the Premier League to really put his defensive quality under the microscope.
Or, a team like Sociedad, who are in the Europa League next season after winning the Copa Del Rey. If it’s between Al Hilal or Sociedad, the choice is obvious. Sarr should move to Spain, not the Middle East.