Former Al-Ittihad and Saudi national team legend Mohammed Noor revealed intriguing details surrounding the failed transfer of young player Murad Hawsawi to Al-Hilal, despite Al-Ittihad's plans to sign him to bolster their squad. These statements shed light on the intense behind-the-scenes rivalry between the giants of the Saudi Professional League during transfer windows.
Speaking on the "Our League is Different" program, Mohammed Noor explained the details of the situation with regret, saying: "I was diligently searching for Murad Hawsawi's phone number to contact him personally and convince him of Al-Ittihad's project and the importance of his joining the club at this stage. However, the very next day, I received the surprising news that Al-Hilal had officially finalized the deal and announced his signing." This statement reflects the remarkable speed with which Al-Hilal's management completes transfer deals compared to its rivals.
Behind the scenes of Al-Hilal's deal and the technical staff's vision
Al-Hilal officials have successfully completed the signing of left-back Murad Hawsawi after swift and successful negotiations. All financial and contractual terms were agreed upon, securing the player's future with the club. This move stems from the astute vision of the coaching staff, led by Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus, who prioritizes strengthening the bench and addressing weaknesses in the full-back positions to ensure continued competitiveness for all domestic and continental titles.
The Clasico rivalry extends to the transfer market
This competition for players is nothing new in the Saudi sports scene; the rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad extends beyond the pitch to the administrative offices and the transfer market. Historically, the relationship between the two clubs has been marked by numerous battles to snatch star players, reflecting each side's persistent desire to assert its dominance. The Housawi affair highlights the administrative disparity in decision-making speed, a factor that has tipped the scales in Al-Hilal's favor in several recent domestic deals, thus placing additional pressure on Al-Ittihad's management to accelerate its negotiations in the future.
The importance of attracting young talent
The signing of Murad Hawsawi takes on particular significance given the new regulations and the general trend in Saudi football towards investing in young local talent. Major clubs are no longer solely focused on acquiring international stars; they are also seeking to secure their future by signing the most promising up-and-coming players in the league. Hawsawi is considered a player with significant potential for development, making him a long-term investment for Al-Hilal and a significant loss for Al-Ittihad, who had hoped to benefit from his services to bolster their defense.
