Prince Nawaf bin Saud, president of Al Hilal, outlined the fate of Robin Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly and their renewal chances with the club.
Speaking on the Socrates podcast on the Thamaniya channel, the president said Hilal plans to extend the contracts of the two stars in the near future.
He added that talks with Koulibaly's agent are underway and that an agreement in principle has been reached with Robin Neves for renewal as well.
He stressed the team's ambition to win a treble this season and noted that the fans demand titles, while his return after seven years has rekindled his own motivation to serve the club again.
The president also explained that Hilal competes in multiple competitions this season and that the goal remains to please the supporters, with a desire to be involved in the Club World Cup again and to honor the nation as in previous campaigns.
On the medical side, he spoke about Brazilian Malcom, saying the medical staff is excellent, but the injury is serious bone-level and the player went to Spain for specialist assessment and is following the club's plan.
The Saudi Super Cup and Coaching Plans
He touched on the Saudi Super Cup, noting that the team apologized for not participating, clarifying that they did not withdraw but declined for clear reasons, aiming to win any trophy they take part in.
He added: I met with Metrović and was impressed by his professionalism; as for Jesus, if you had asked me about his departure, it would have been a sooner decision.
He continued: Jesus was one of the best managers last season, but he did not start this season well; he wore players out, and his dismissal was wise but delayed.
Kingdom Stadium and Logistics
He praised Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University as the ideal training and camp facility due to its location in north Riyadh, with many foreign players preferring to live nearby.
He said: We will move to the facility in mid-December, God willing, and we will extend the Kingdom's Stadium lease.
Kingdom Stadium is one of the finest venues in the region; its design is superb and the price high, but it is deservedly so.
He added: If every Al Hilal supporter contributed a small monthly amount, we could cover operational costs for matches without issue, especially since ticket prices are accounted for in the club's expenses.
Refereeing and a New Contract
He also criticized refereeing in the Saudi Pro League, saying that officiating this season has been below par and foreign referees of the highest caliber should be brought in for key matches.
He argued for higher-tier foreign referees and noted that the fee for referees has risen, yet their level remains insufficient; he also called for price reductions to previous levels.
New Contract for Marcus Leonardo
Separately, the board plans to raise the Brazilian striker Marcus Leonardo's salary and renew his contract for two more seasons beyond the current deal, which ends next year.
The player has led the attack this season after the departure of Metrović and the injury absence of Darwin Nunez.
Darwin Nunez Return and Other News
The Saudi press indicated the club's doctor believes Darwin Nunez will be ready for competition after the international break, with a rehab program in Spain and a return to action for the blue-green side in mind.
The Uruguayan international suffered a knee injury that sidelined him recently, and the Italian coach Simone Inzaghi hopes to have him back among the pillars of Hilal's attack.
And now, time to hunt again on the field and not the press box. Punchline 1: If renewals were bulletproof, their contracts would stop a sniper with a license to thrill.
Punchline 2: The only thing sharper than their plan might be a referee whistle; perhaps bring in top foreign referees to keep up with their pace.
