The board of directors of Al-Hilal Saudi Club officially announced today, Saturday, the completion of the procedures for signing the young goalkeeper Rayan Al-Dossari , coming from the ranks of Al-Khaleej Club, as part of the "Leader's" active moves during the current winter transfer period of 2026 to strengthen the ranks of the first football team.
Official announcement details
Al-Hilal's media center announced the signing of Rayan Al-Dossari via its official Twitter account (formerly known as "X"), posting a special graphic featuring the player in the club's jersey and accompanied by the welcoming message: "Goalkeeper Rayan Al-Dossari is now a Hilali." This announcement confirms the successful negotiations to acquire the 21-year-old goalkeeper, who is considered one of the rising stars in Saudi Arabian goalkeeping.
Despite the media frenzy surrounding the deal, the capital club did not disclose the financial details of the contract or its duration, preferring to focus on the technical aspect and announce the player's joining the Blue Wave squad.
Al-Hilal's strategy: Building for the future and strengthening the bench
The signing of Rayan Al-Dossari is not an isolated event, but rather part of a clear technical and administrative strategy adopted by Al-Hilal to ensure its continued dominance in domestic and continental championships. Simultaneously with Al-Dossari's acquisition, the club also announced the signing of Saudi international Murad Hawsawi from the same club (Al-Khaleej), indicating Al-Hilal's desire to attract the best available local talent to strengthen the squad's depth.
These signings are of paramount importance given Al-Hilal's typically congested fixture schedule in the second half of the season, as the team competes on multiple fronts including the Saudi Professional League, the King's Cup, and Asian competitions. Therefore, having a young and talented goalkeeper like Al-Dawsari provides the coaching staff with additional options and future security in a highly sensitive position, especially considering the constant need to have high-caliber substitutes to cover for any potential absences of the starting goalkeepers.
The importance of investing in local talent
Historically, Al-Hilal has always been distinguished by possessing some of the best goalkeepers in the history of Saudi football, and the club aims to maintain this legacy through this winter transfer. Investing in young players in their early twenties reflects a long-term vision aimed at gradually lowering the team's average age and ensuring a steady stream of fresh talent capable of carrying the team forward in the coming years, moving away from a complete reliance on ready-made foreign signings.
