In a move that could reshape the Saudi Professional League, international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi has decided on his next destination, and is expected to join Al-Shabab until the end of the current season. This decision comes after a period of reduced playing time with his former club, Al-Hilal, and falling out of favor with Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who has strong defensive options at his disposal.
Background and context of the decision in Al-Hilal
Ali Al-Bulaihi, who joined Al-Hilal in 2017, is considered one of the most prominent defenders in Saudi football in recent years, having played a key role in the club's numerous domestic and continental titles, most notably the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Professional League. Al-Bulaihi is known for his strong personality and fighting spirit on the pitch. However, with Al-Hilal's recent high-profile signings, such as Senegalese striker Kalidou Koulibaly, and the presence of prominent local players like Hassan Tambakti, competition for the center-back position has become fierce, leading to a decrease in Al-Bulaihi's playing time.
The importance of migration for young people and its impact
According to informed sources, the agreement between Al-Bulaihi and Al-Shabab has been finalized after negotiations covering all financial and contractual aspects. This transfer is of great importance to both parties. For Al-Bulaihi, it offers a valuable opportunity to return to regular, consistent playing time, which is crucial for his career, especially given his strong ambition to remain in the Saudi national team under Italian coach Roberto Mancini. As for Al-Shabab, signing a defender of Al-Bulaihi's experience and caliber will significantly strengthen their back line and enhance their competitiveness for the remainder of the season.
World Cup ambition: the biggest motivation
It's no secret that Ali Al-Bulaihi's ultimate goal is to secure his place in the Saudi national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Following his impressive performance at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, particularly in the historic match against Argentina, Al-Bulaihi is striving to maintain his technical and physical readiness to be part of this global event once again. He is fully aware that the path to the World Cup inevitably leads through consistent playing time with his club.
In a related context, Al-Hilal Club continues its preparations for its anticipated match against Al-Ahli Club, as part of the twentieth round of the Roshan Professional League competition, in a match that will be held on the grounds of the “Kingdom Arena” on Monday evening, while the Saudi football fans are awaiting the official announcement of the transfer deal of Al-Bulaihi, which will add more excitement to the local transfer market.
