The management of Al-Hilal Saudi Club has begun taking serious and immediate steps to bolster the first football team's ranks with a significant local signing, as part of its strategy to address the shortage of players in the right-back position. These rapid moves come after the official approval of the departure of Portuguese star João Cancelo to Barcelona on loan until the end of the current season, a deal that has generated considerable buzz in sporting circles.
The club's management is working in direct coordination with the coaching staff, led by Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, who has emphasized in his technical reports the need to fill the void left by Cancelo's departure before the crucial season resumes. Inzaghi believes the right flank is a key tactical element in his style of play, necessitating the signing of a player with the physical and technical attributes required to meet the team's ambitions of competing for all titles.
Al-Hilal's options: between nostalgia for a return and realism
In the search for a suitable replacement, Al-Hilal's management opened initial communication channels with several options, foremost among them Saudi international Saud Abdulhamid, a former player for the team and currently playing professionally for Lens in France. Despite the desire to bring him back given his extensive experience with Al-Hilal and his familiarity with the league, the uncertainty surrounding the player's situation and his desire to continue his professional career in Europe prompted the management to broaden its options and explore available local alternatives.
Saeed Ba'atiya... the new target for Al-Zaeem
According to reliable press reports, Saeed Baatia, the right-back for Al-Fateh, has emerged as one of the strongest candidates to join the Blue Wave. The interest in the 25-year-old stems from his outstanding performances with Al-Fateh this season, where he has become a key player in his team's lineup, participating in 18 matches across all competitions and providing one assist, in addition to his solid defensive contributions.
Sources indicated that there has been verbal and informal communication between the administrations of Al-Hilal and Al-Fateh to gauge the possibility of completing the deal, without submitting a formal financial offer so far, as the Al-Hilal administration is waiting for the full technical and financial vision to become clear in the next few days before taking the final step.
Al-Hilal continues its march towards the title
On the field, Al-Hilal continues its intensive preparations for its match against Al-Fayha on Thursday evening at the Kingdom Arena, as part of the 17th round of the Saudi Professional League. The Blues enter the match sitting atop the league table with 41 points, buoyed by their recent 2-1 victory over Neom, while Al-Fayha, currently in 12th place with 14 points, seeks a positive result. This match represents a crucial opportunity for Al-Hilal to solidify its lead and widen the gap with its pursuers, making securing technical and administrative stability through well-considered signings imperative at this stage of the season.
