Amid intensive preparations for the upcoming winter transfer season, and increasing news about the moves of major Saudi clubs to strengthen their ranks, special sources told Al-Midan Al-Riyadi the truth about the news circulating regarding the desire of the Saudi Al-Hilal club to sign the Italian Inter Milan defensive duo, Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij.
The truth about the negotiations and Inter Milan's position
Sources close to the decision-making circle and coach Simone Inzaghi have confirmed that reports linking Al-Hilal with a move for the Italian and Dutch defenders are inaccurate. The sources clarified that Acerbi, a key player in the Nerazzurri squad, is not a candidate to transfer to the Rosne in January, and the same applies to his teammate De Vrij. This denial definitively puts an end to the recent speculation surrounding the duo's potential departure from the Giuseppe Meazza stadium.
Reasons for rejecting the deal: Professional players are already full
Reports indicate a key reason preventing such deals from being finalized at present: Al-Hilal already possesses two outstanding foreign center-backs, Senegalese star Kalidou Koulibaly and Youssef Akçiçek. According to Saudi Arabian Football Federation regulations and the club's strategy, signing a new foreign defender would necessitate releasing one of the current players, a scenario not currently under consideration given the high level of performance demonstrated by Al-Hilal's existing backline.
The context of the competition and Al-Hilal's position in the league
On the domestic front, Al-Hilal continues its relentless pursuit of the top spot in the Saudi Professional League. The team recently secured a valuable 3-1 victory against Al-Kholoud, a match that showcased the Blue Wave's attacking prowess. This win was crucial in narrowing the gap with arch-rivals Al-Nassr to just two points, intensifying the title race and underscoring the importance of maintaining a stable core for the upcoming stage of the season.
The impact of rumors on team stability
This news comes at a crucial time in the season, as clubs strive to maintain their players' focus. Al-Hilal is one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, making it a hot topic for the international press. However, Al-Hilal's technical management is currently focused on addressing the team's actual weaknesses during the winter transfer window, based on the coach's tactical vision, rather than pursuing big-name signings that might not fit the current system, especially given the existing depth in the defensive line.
