Can a team quickly assemble a squad strong enough to compete with top European clubs in the short period between league finishes and the Club World Cup? Al-Hilal has been trying to do just that recently. The results suggest it`s proving difficult.
While the Club World Cup might not generate much excitement among European fans (aside from club finances), it holds significant importance in Saudi Arabia. Officials at PIF, the sovereign wealth fund backing four major Pro League teams, see global football as a way to boost Saudi Arabia`s international influence. Succeeding against clubs like PSG or Manchester City and advancing far in a major global tournament accessible to Asian clubs would be a powerful statement.
This ambition led to Al-Ittihad acquiring players like Karim Benzema and N`Golo Kante (though not Mohamed Salah) when Saudi Arabia hosted the tournament in 2023. Al-Hilal, Asia`s most successful club and seen by some as PIF`s top priority, has even greater aspirations. With Real Madrid, Pachuca, and Red Bull Salzburg awaiting them next week, significant spending was planned before the transfer window closed on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, a deadline set by FIFA for Club World Cup participants.
Sources indicate Al-Hilal aimed to reinforce four key areas: a striker, a central midfielder, a left back, and a head coach. As of Monday, they would have been pleased to fill three positions, having only secured their primary target in one. While Simone Inzaghi has joined as the world`s highest-paid coach, major player signings haven`t materialized yet.
The striker position has been the focus of the most significant efforts. PIF initially hoped Cristiano Ronaldo might be loaned to Al-Hilal for the Club World Cup as part of his contract extension discussions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also supported the idea. However, after discussions with Saudi officials, the Portuguese star reportedly doubted the temporary move from Al-Nassr`s rivals, preferring instead for his current team to be strengthened.
Victor Osimhen is Al-Hilal`s top forward target, and sources indicate the four-time Asian champions are still trying to sign the Nigerian striker, potentially offering more than the initial $35 million annual salary. If they fail to sign Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig is reportedly their next option. It`s uncertain if Sesko would want to move to the Pro League early in his career, but Al-Hilal possesses the financial power to meet RB Leipzig`s asking price and offer Sesko a lucrative contract.
Signing a left back seems more likely. Sources suggest Al-Hilal is nearing a deal for Roma`s Angelino, although he was not the first choice; Theo Hernandez was preferred. However, convincing the AC Milan star has proven difficult, as he reportedly worries a move to Saudi Arabia might affect his chances of playing for France in the next World Cup. An offer of $34.3 million for Lazio`s Nuno Tavares was also rejected. Angelino performed well in Serie A last season, and the 28-year-old is expected to cost around $32 million in transfer fees.
Similar problems have occurred in midfield. Bruno Fernandes declined a potential salary package reportedly worth close to $90 million annually. Atalanta`s Ederson is also a target, but the club`s sporting director, Tony D`Amico, stated on Saturday that no offer had arrived from Al-Hilal.
It`s important to remember that even without major new signings, Al-Hilal`s current squad is high-quality. Despite a dip in form in early 2024 that allowed Al-Ittihad to win the league, Al-Hilal possesses players capable of improving even top teams at the Club World Cup. The squad features talents like Ruben Neves and Malcom among other Portuguese speakers. Aleksandar Mitrovic is scoring prolifically. Marcos Leonardo represents the focus on signing promising young international players. Additionally, Salem Al-Dawsari is arguably the most gifted Saudi player in the league.
This existing quality might still be sufficient for them to perform well in the tournament. According to Opta, Al-Hilal is one of only three non-European sides with over a 50% probability of advancing from their group. If they finish second, they could face Manchester City in the round of 16, a match with significant geopolitical undertones. No transfer window activity is likely to make Al-Hilal anything but significant underdogs against City, or even against a team like Juventus. Nevertheless, based on recent history, Al-Hilal is likely to continue pursuing top talent aggressively. Their success in this endeavor will soon be seen.
Al-Hilal Club World Cup schedule (Group H)
- Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal: Wednesday, June 18, 3 p.m. ET
- Salzburg vs. Al-Hilal: Sunday, June 22, 6 p.m. ET
- Al-Hilal vs. Pachuca: Thursday, June 26, 9 p.m. ET
