Al-Hilal Saudi Club announced an update to its registered local squad for the Roshan Professional League and other domestic competitions, a strategic move aimed at strengthening the team for the remainder of the season. The most notable change to the new list was the removal of Brazilian star Neymar Jr. due to his long-term injury, and the inclusion of new signing, Brazilian left-back Renan Lodi , who joined the club during the recent winter transfer window.
Background of the decision and its organizational context
This decision comes within the framework of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's regulations, which specify the number of foreign players each team is allowed to register. With Neymar confirmed to be out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn cruciate ligament and meniscus while on international duty with Brazil, it was logical for Al-Hilal's management to utilize his foreign player slot to strengthen another position the team needed. They opted for Renan Lodi, arriving from French club Olympique de Marseille, to bolster the left flank, which required a player with both defensive and offensive capabilities.
The importance of the deal and its impact on the team
Lodi's arrival is a significant addition to Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus's squad, providing him with broader tactical options and bolstering the team's defensive strength. Known for his speed and pinpoint crosses, Lodi will provide a powerful boost to Al Hilal's potent attack. This move underscores the club's ambitious goals this season, as they aim to compete strongly for all possible titles, including the Saudi Professional League, the King's Cup, and the AFC Champions League.
The squad is complete with the return of the internationals
These changes coincided with the team's full complement of players returning from international duty with their national teams in continental tournaments. The return of the solid Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly after the Africa Cup of Nations provided a huge morale boost to the back line. With Koulibaly alongside Lodi and the rest of the team's stars, Al-Hilal now boasts a complete squad ready to continue its impressive winning streak and maintain its lead in the league standings, as the club looks to break records and continue its dominance on both the domestic and continental stages.
