Greek coach Giorgos Donis, manager of Al-Khaleej Club, revealed the behind-the-scenes details of the failure to complete the transfer of Saudi international Abdul-Ilah Al-Malki, former Al-Hilal midfielder, to the ranks of “Al-Dana” during the current transfer period, after the player terminated his contract with Al-Hilal by mutual consent.
In candid remarks during the press conference following his team's match against Al-Shabab, Donis put an end to the speculation, confirming that financial constraints were the main reason behind not signing the player. The Greek coach said: "Abdulilah Al-Malki is a great player, well-known and possessing tremendous technical abilities that any coach would desire, but we at Al-Khaleej Club do not have the necessary funds to complete the contract and meet the requirements of the deal.".
These statements highlight the financial and competitive disparities in the Saudi transfer market, where mid-table clubs face significant challenges in attracting local international stars, especially those coming from top clubs like Al-Hilal, due to their high market value and annual salaries, which require huge budgets that may not be available to all clubs in the Saudi Professional League.
Al-Hilal's management officially announced the termination of Abdul-Ilah Al-Malki's contract at the player's request, making him a free agent eligible to sign with any club without needing his former club's permission. Al-Malki is considered a key player in Saudi football's midfield position. He has faced some difficult periods due to injuries, but has since returned to prove his fitness, making him a target for several clubs seeking to strengthen their squads with an internationally experienced player. The player has not yet decided on his next destination.
Regarding the competition, Donis spoke after his team's goalless draw against Al-Shabab in the 18th round of the Saudi Professional League, held at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam. The coach praised his players' performance and tactical discipline against a strong and determined opponent like Al-Shabab, considering the draw a positive result given the current circumstances and the fierce competition in the league.
Al-Khaleej Club’s position reflects the realism with which the club’s management and technical staff deal with the contracts file, as the focus is on the available options that are compatible with the allocated budget, to ensure the financial and technical stability of the team, and to avoid entering into debt crises that may hinder the club’s progress in the future, especially in light of the great development that Saudi football is witnessing and the high standards required for competition.
