Ali Al-Mohsen, CEO of Al-Khaleej Club, made a major surprise regarding the upcoming winter transfer market in the Saudi Professional League, announcing that Al-Nasr Club has entered the race strongly to sign young defender Murad Hawsawi, to strengthen the ranks of "Al-Aalami" in the next stage.
In media statements on the "Thamania" podcast, Al-Muhsin confirmed that Al-Nassr's management had not only expressed verbal interest but had taken official and concrete steps in recent hours, submitting a serious offer to acquire Hawsawi's services. The CEO indicated that negotiations are currently underway to finalize the player's future, opening the door to his potential departure from Al-Nassr during the winter transfer window.
The battle between major clubs for the young talent
Al-Nassr's interest in signing Housawi is not a passing event, but rather comes amidst fierce competition among the top clubs in the Kingdom. Reports indicate that the player is also on the radar of Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, both of whom are looking to bolster their defensive options with promising local talent. Al-Nassr's entry into the negotiations has intensified the competition, especially given coach Luis Castro's desire to address defensive weaknesses to ensure the team can compete for all available titles this season.
The context of transfers and the importance of local players
This deal takes on particular significance given the major transformations taking place in Saudi football. Despite the influx of international stars to Saudi Pro League clubs, local players remain the cornerstone for ensuring balanced squads and meeting registration requirements in domestic and Asian competitions. Murad Hawsawi is one such name that has recently emerged, explaining the intense competition among Public Investment Fund (PIF) clubs to secure his services, as acquiring top-quality full-backs has become a rare commodity in the local market.
Financial and physical obstacles to the deal
Despite the strong interest from clubs in signing the player, two main obstacles surround the deal. The first relates to the financial aspect, as Al-Khaleej's management has set a hefty price tag of 50 million Saudi Riyals as a condition for approving the sale of the player's contract, a figure that reflects the club's determination to retain its player or its desire to maximize its financial gain.
The second obstacle is physical fitness, as Murad Hawsawi is currently suffering from an injury sustained during his participation in the recent Arab Cup tournament. This injury has kept him out of action with his team in recent rounds of the Roshan League. Medical examinations will be a crucial factor in determining the player's final destination and when he will return to the pitch.
