Al-Hilal is in a rush to significantly strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, with aspirations of going head-to-head with Europe`s elite. However, their intensive efforts in the transfer market leading up to the FIFA-mandated window closure have faced considerable difficulties in securing their top targets. The answer so far appears to be: not quite successfully.
While the Club World Cup might not generate massive excitement among fans in Europe (though accountants at top clubs may appreciate it), it holds paramount importance in Saudi Arabia. Decision-makers at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees four leading Pro League clubs, view global football as a key avenue for establishing Saudi soft power internationally. What better way to achieve this than by potentially upsetting giants like Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester City and achieving a deep run in what is arguably the most prestigious club tournament available to Asian teams?
This strategic thinking previously led Al-Ittihad to sign stars like Karim Benzema and N`Golo Kante for the 2023 tournament hosted in Saudi Arabia. This level of ambition has only grown for Al-Hilal, not only Asia`s most successful club but also considered a flagship project for PIF. With Real Madrid, Pachuca, and Red Bull Salzburg awaiting them next week, the plan was to make significant investments before the initial transfer window closed on Tuesday.
According to CBS Sports sources, Al-Hilal prioritized strengthening their team in four key areas: striker, central midfield, left back, and securing a head coach. As of Monday, it seemed achieving success in even three of these areas would be a challenge, with the Riyadh club having only secured their first choice in one position. While Simone Inzaghi has reportedly arrived as the world`s most expensive coach, the expected marquee player additions on the field have yet to materialize.
The most dramatic decisions have centered around the striker position. Initially, there was hope within PIF that Cristiano Ronaldo might be persuaded to join Al-Hilal on loan for the Club World Cup as part of his contract negotiations. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also supported this idea. However, discussions involving Saudi government officials revealed the Portuguese forward`s skepticism regarding a temporary move from Al-Nassr`s rivals; he instead pushed for his current squad to be reinforced.
Victor Osimhen is currently Al-Hilal`s primary target. CBS Sports understands that the four-time Asian champions are still pursuing the Nigeria striker and may increase their initial offer of a $35 million annual salary. Sources indicate that should Al-Hilal be forced to abandon their pursuit of Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is next on their list. It remains unclear if Sesko would be tempted by a move to the Pro League so early in his career, but Al-Hilal possesses the financial capability to meet RB Leipzig`s demands and offer Sesko a substantial contract.
A left back signing does, however, appear to be on the horizon. According to sources, Al-Hilal is nearing a deal for Roma`s Angelino. However, Angelino was a fallback option, with Theo Hernandez being the favored target. They have struggled to convince the AC Milan star, who reportedly harbors doubts about how a move to the Saudi Pro League might impact his chances of securing a spot in the France squad for next summer`s World Cup. Furthermore, a $34.3 million offer for Nuno Tavares was rejected by Lazio. Angelino, who performed well in Serie A last season, is expected to command a significant transfer fee, potentially nearing $32 million.
Similar difficulties have been encountered in strengthening the midfield. Bruno Fernandes reportedly declined an offer worth nearly $90 million per year. While Atalanta`s Ederson is admired, the Italian club`s sporting director confirmed on Saturday that they had not received any offer from Al-Hilal.
It is worth noting that even if Inzaghi`s side fails to make major signings in this window, the current squad is far from lacking in quality. While a poor run of form in January and February saw Al-Ittihad claim the domestic title, Al-Hilal boasts players who could enhance even the best sides participating in the Club World Cup. Ruben Neves and Malcom lead a strong group of Portuguese speakers, Aleksandar Mitrovic has been scoring prolifically, and Marcos Leonardo represents the Saudi recruitment strategy of acquiring top young global talents. Additionally, Salem Al-Dawsari is arguably the most talented Saudi Arabian player in the league.
This existing talent base may be sufficient to make an impact on the tournament. According to Opta statistics, Al-Hilal is one of only three non-European teams with a greater than 50 percent probability of advancing from their group. Finishing in second place could set up a Round of 16 match against Manchester City, a fixture laden with geopolitical intrigue. While Al-Hilal would undoubtedly be massive underdogs against City, regardless of transfer window activity (and wouldn`t be heavily favored against Juventus either), the evidence of the past couple of years shows Al-Hilal`s persistent ambition to attract the world`s best talent. The tournament will soon reveal how successful their strategy has been.
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
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley