Can a football squad capable of genuinely challenging Europe`s top teams be assembled rapidly in the short period between domestic league conclusions and the commencement of the Club World Cup? This is precisely what Al-Hilal has been attempting to discover in recent weeks. The answer, thus far, appears to be: not effectively.
While the Club World Cup might primarily interest the financial departments of elite European clubs, it holds considerably greater significance in Saudi Arabia. Decision-makers at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund overseeing four major Pro League teams, see global football as a crucial channel for projecting Saudi soft power internationally. What better way to achieve this than by potentially upsetting a club like Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City and making a deep run in what could be the most prestigious international tournament open to Asian clubs?
This strategic thinking previously led to Al-Ittihad securing stars like Karim Benzema and N`Golo Kante (though not quite Mohamed Salah) when Saudi Arabia hosted the competition in 2023. Al-Hilal`s ambitions are even higher. As not only Asia`s most successful club but also sometimes seen as PIF`s premier asset, they faced the prospect of facing teams like Real Madrid, Pachuca, and Red Bull Salzburg. Significant investment was planned before FIFA`s first transfer window closure, designed to support Club World Cup participants, at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
According to sources cited by CBS Sports, Al-Hilal`s main objective was to bolster their squad in four key areas: a striker, central midfielder, left-back, and a new head coach. By Monday, success in even three of these areas seemed optimistic, with the Riyadh-based club reportedly only having secured their top choice for one position. Simone Inzaghi has arrived as one of the world`s highest-paid coaches, but the desired high-profile player signings have not yet materialized.
The most notable challenges have occurred in the pursuit of a striker. There was initial optimism within PIF that Cristiano Ronaldo might be persuaded to join Al-Hilal on loan specifically for the Club World Cup as part of ongoing contract extension discussions. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also reportedly supported this idea. However, discussions involving Saudi government officials indicated that the Portuguese forward was hesitant about a temporary move from Al-Nassr, a rival club, preferring instead that his current team be strengthened.
Victor Osimhen remains at the top of Al-Hilal`s striker wishlist. CBS Sports understands that the four-time Asian champions have not abandoned their efforts to sign the Nigeria international, who might receive an increased offer surpassing the initial $35 million annual salary proposed. Sources suggest that if Al-Hilal is ultimately unsuccessful in signing Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is their next target. Whether Sesko would be inclined to move to the Pro League early in his career is uncertain, but Al-Hilal possesses the financial means to meet RB Leipzig`s demands and offer Sesko a lucrative contract.
Signing a left-back appears more likely. Sources indicate that Al-Hilal is nearing a deal for Roma`s Angelino. However, he was a secondary option, with AC Milan`s Theo Hernandez being the preferred target. They have struggled to convince the AC Milan star, who reportedly has concerns about how a move to the Saudi Pro League might affect his prospects of securing a place in the French national team for next summer`s World Cup. Al-Hilal also saw a $34.3 million bid for Nuno Tavares rejected by Lazio. Angelino performed well in Serie A last season, and the 28-year-old`s transfer is expected to come at a significant cost, estimated at nearly $32 million in transfer fees alone.
Similar difficulties have been encountered in midfield. Bruno Fernandes reportedly declined an offer worth nearly $90 million per year. Atalanta`s Ederson is also admired, but the Italian club`s sporting director, Tony D`Amico, confirmed on Saturday that no offer had been received from Al-Hilal.
It is important to note that even if Inzaghi`s squad does not secure all their transfer targets in this window, the current team is not lacking in talent. Despite a challenging period of results earlier in the year that saw Al-Ittihad claim the league title, Al-Hilal boasts players who could improve even the strongest sides competing in the Club World Cup. Ruben Neves and Malcom are among a talented group of Portuguese speakers. Aleksandar Mitrovic has been scoring prolifically. Marcos Leonardo represents the other key recruitment focus in Saudi Arabia: attracting promising young global talents. Additionally, Salem Al-Dawsari is arguably the most gifted Saudi Arabian player in the league.
This existing quality might be sufficient to make a significant impact in the tournament regardless of further signings. According to Opta data, Al-Hilal is one of only three non-European teams with over a 50 percent probability of advancing from their group. Finishing second could set up a potential Round of 16 match against Manchester City, a fixture laden with geopolitical undertones. While no transfer window activity would likely make Al-Hilal anything less than substantial underdogs against City (or even Juventus), the trend of the past two years shows Al-Hilal`s unwavering ambition to attract the best players. How successful their latest efforts have been will soon become clear.
Anticipated Al-Hilal Club World Cup Schedule
- Real Madrid vs. Al-Hilal
- Salzburg vs. Al-Hilal
- Al-Hilal vs. Pachuca
