Al Hilal Stacks the Deck: Maliki Out, Hosawi In — and the Player Responds

Transfer Drama in the Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal has decided to sacrifice Abdulilah Al-Maliki to secure the signing of Murad Hosawi, a midfielder from Al-Khaleej, during the current winter transfer window.

Reports had suggested Hilal were close to Hosawi in a deal that could cost up to 60 million Saudi riyals, with the possibility of a swap.

Yet Al Yaum said money isn’t the only currency; a Hilal player would also have to move in the deal.

The paper added that the club wants to include Maliki, at the request of Greek coach Georgios Donis of Al-Khaleej.

However, Sport quoted Maliki as refusing a swap to join Hosawi, amid his reluctance to play for Gulf.

Donis also warned that replacing Hosawi would be tough given his excellent form this season.

The 24-year-old has appeared in 11 games for Al-Khaleej, scoring two goals and two assists, and earned a Saudi national team call-up.

The transfer window continues to heat up as both clubs weigh the risks and rewards, leaving fans speculating about who benefits most.

Meanwhile, Murad Hosawi's coaches insist he is ready for a new challenge.

Punchline 1: If football transfers were dating apps, this one would have a dramatic upgrade and an even more dramatic exit.

Punchline 2: Money talks; in this saga it simply whispers, swap me and see what happens.