Al Hilal Eyes a High-Stakes Swap to Snag Sultan Mandesh from Al Taawoun

Al Hilal Weighs Swap for Sultan Mandesh

Saudi media outlets report that Al Hilal is aiming to seal a fresh deal in the upcoming transfer window to strengthen the squad.

Asharq Al-Awsat reports that Al Hilal is pursuing the signing of Sultan Mandesh from Al Taawoun and has submitted a formal bid to the latter's management.

The report adds that Al Hilal proposed moving its player Mohammad Al-Qahtani to Taawoun as part of the deal, with Taawoun receiving monetary compensation.

According to the source, Sultan Mandesh's contract with Al Hilal would run for two and a half seasons if the two clubs reach an agreement.

Negotiations reportedly stalled before the Arab Cup tournament in which Saudi Arabia played, then revived after a formal approach from Al Hilal's management.

Earlier, the offer aimed for a six-month loan to Mandesh, but talks paused on that front.

Mandesh has appeared in 12 matches this season across the league and the King's Cup, scoring four goals and providing four assists, and has even earned a call-up from Hervé Renard to one of the Green Falcons camps.

What This Swap Could Mean for the Clubs

The potential exchange would pair Mandesh's talent with Al Hilal's ambitions and might see Taawoun receive Mohammad Al-Qahtani along with monetary compensation.

Mandesh's recent form and Renard's call-ups underline his value, adding weight to the talks.

Punchline 1: If this transfer goes through, Mandesh will stop warming the bench and start warming the stands with fans cheering.

Punchline 2: And if negotiations stall again, at least the rumor mill will keep the popcorn budget thriving during the press conferences.