Al-Hilal Saudi Club, the leader of the Roshan Professional League, announced its final list of approved foreign players to participate in the local competitions for the remainder of the 2023-2024 season, after the closure of the winter transfer window, which witnessed some strategic adjustments by the technical management led by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus.
Jesus has settled on his list of eight foreign players, which saw the most notable and widely discussed change: the temporary exclusion of Brazilian star Neymar Jr. due to his long-term cruciate ligament injury, and the registration of Brazilian left-back Renan Lodi in his place, in a move aimed at strengthening the team's defensive options.
Al-Hilal's final list of foreign players:
- Yassine Bounou (Morocco): The goalkeeper who added great solidity and experience to the back line.
- Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal): The rock of the defense and the leader of the back line.
- Ruben Neves (Portugal): The midfield maestro and orchestrator of the game's rhythm.
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Serbia): The dynamic midfielder who links defense and attack.
- Malcom (Brazil): The skillful winger and one of the most important sources of attacking danger.
- Michael Delgado (Brazil): The fast winger who represents an important individual solution.
- Aleksandar Mitrovic (Serbia): The team's top scorer and a strong out-and-out striker.
- Renan Lodi (Brazil): The new arrival to strengthen the left-back position.
General context and importance of the decision
This decision comes amidst an exceptional season in the Saudi Professional League, which has become a destination for some of the world's biggest football stars thanks to significant investments. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation's regulations allow each club to register eight foreign players, making the management of these crucial positions a decisive factor in competing for titles. Al-Hilal's decision to exclude Neymar, despite its difficulty given his status as the club's most significant signing, reflects a pragmatic technical vision that prioritizes the team's best interests. The club has now addressed the shortage at left-back that had plagued them since the start of the season.
Expected impact on the team's performance
Domestically, this roster enhances the balance and stability of Al Hilal, who are steadily progressing towards reclaiming the league title, currently holding a comfortable lead at the top of the table. The presence of players of the caliber of Bono, Coulibaly, Neves, and Mitrovic strengthens the team across all positions. Regionally, the strength of the domestic squad directly translates into their ambitions in the AFC Champions League, where "The Boss" aims to secure the continental title. Internationally, this decision underscores the high level of professionalism and strategic depth possessed by top Saudi clubs, demonstrating their ability to make tough and impactful decisions to maintain their dominance and achieve their season objectives.
