Sources within Al-Hilal have revealed rapid developments regarding the future of striker Marcos Leonardo, who expressed his extreme anger and decided to take decisive action after being excluded from the team's domestic squad for the new season. According to the sources, the Brazilian player has asked his agent to immediately find him an offer from a foreign club so he can leave Al-Hilal, believing that the administration's decision to restrict him to participation only in the AFC Champions League does not align with his ambitions.
Leonardo's sudden decision comes as a direct reaction to Al-Hilal's high-profile signing of French star Karim Benzema, who arrived on a free transfer from Al-Ittihad. The club registered Benzema in their domestic squad at Leonardo's expense, much to the latter's chagrin, as he had high hopes of securing a regular starting position in all competitions.
General context: Al-Hilal's ambitions and the rules regarding foreign players
This incident reflects the new strategy adopted by Saudi Pro League clubs, particularly major clubs like Al-Hilal, which aims to attract the world's top football stars to raise the level of competition and appeal of the league. Following blockbuster deals like those of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, the arrival of Benzema (in this context) further strengthens the Saudi league's position on the global stage. However, this policy creates internal challenges, most notably managing the large number of foreign players. Saudi Arabian Football Federation regulations stipulate a specific number of foreign players that can be registered in the local squad, forcing clubs to make difficult decisions that may not satisfy all players.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Domestically, this crisis puts Al-Hilal's management and coaching staff in a difficult position, as they must balance the club's ambitions to compete for all titles with the individual desires of the players. The departure of a young and talented player like Leonardo could weaken the depth of the attacking lineup, especially given the long season and multiple competitions. Regionally, limiting a player of Leonardo's caliber to the Asian Champions League was a significant advantage for Al-Hilal, and his potential departure could diminish the team's options in its quest to retain its continental title. Internationally, this issue highlights the challenges facing young players in leagues experiencing a surge in star players, where securing regular playing time becomes extremely difficult. This may push them to seek opportunities in other European leagues, as was the case with Leonardo, who was previously linked with a move to Atlético Madrid during the last winter transfer window before negotiations fell through.
