Al Hilal is on a quest to determine if they can compete at the highest level against Europe’s elite as the domestic league wraps up and the Club World Cup approaches. Recent efforts have suggested they’re not quite there yet. While the Club World Cup might excite European club executives, Saudi Arabia views it as a critical opportunity to boost its global football presence through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns four prominent clubs in the PRO League. Achieving a deep run in this tournament could help elevate the nation’s soft power and challenge major clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
In preparation for the competition, Al Ittihad invested in high-profile players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, though they missed out on Mohamed Salah when Saudi Arabia hosted the tournament in 2023. Such aspirations are bolstered by their reputation as Asia’s most successful club and the PIF’s ambitions. Al Hilal’s upcoming matches include facing Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg, and Pachuca, with crucial adjustments to their roster expected before the summer transfer window closes.
Reports indicate Al Hilal is focusing on strengthening their lineup in four key areas: a striker, a midfielder, a left back, and a head coach. By midweek, they had secured their top choice for one position, with the possibility of addressing three more. Hiring Simone Inzaghi as the world’s most expensive coach was a significant step, though marquee additions are still needed.
The most significant ongoing discussion involves their striker position. Initially, there was hope that Cristiano Ronaldo would join Al Hilal on loan for the Club World Cup, but he expressed doubts about leaving Al Nassr, his current team. Instead, Al Hilal has set its sights on Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, yet they may need to pivot to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško if they cannot secure Osimhen.
They are also reportedly pursuing left-back Ángelino from Roma, though they are considering AC Milan’s Theo Hernández as an alternative. Their attempts to land Nuno Tavares from Lazio also fell short, as a $34.3 million offer was rejected. With players like Reuben Neves, Malcolm, and Alexander Mitrović already on the roster, Al Hilal still possesses a solid team, showcasing the strength of Saudi Arabian talent, led by standout Salem Al-Dawsari.
Despite these challenges, Al Hilal stands a strong chance in the upcoming tournament, with over a 50% probability of advancing past the group stages, facing formidable opponents like Manchester City. Ultimately, their performance could reveal just how far they can go in the international arena and reshape perceptions of Middle Eastern football.
### Editorial Opinion
This news highlights a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabian football as clubs like Al Hilal aim to establish themselves on the global stage. If they can pull off significant signings and perform well in the Club World Cup, it could not only elevate the profile of the Saudi leagues but also shift the dynamics of global soccer power.
