Saudi Transfer Duel: Gulf Pushback as Hilal Targets Murad Hosawi

Gulf Responds to Hilal’s Pursuit of Murad Hosawi

Al Khaleej has commented on the ongoing negotiations with Al Hilal regarding the signing of their young Saudi midfielder Murad Hosawi in the upcoming winter transfer window. Reports had indicated Hilal’s interest and that an official letter had been sent to Gulf to seal the deal, with other clubs such as Al Ittihad and Al Ahli also tracking the player.

Gulf's Take on Hosawi Negotiations

Ali Al-Mousa, Gulf’s chief executive, confirmed there are talks to sign the midfielder and stressed the club would not stand in his way if a suitable offer arrives.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said: "The team has many important matches ahead, and too much talk on this topic could distract the player or the team." He added they are handling it calmly and noted that Gulf has historically received offers for its players, given their talent.

"If there is a shared interest between Gulf and another party, the deal could happen; otherwise, it’s normal—the player is under contract until 2029, so it’s not an urgent concern for us." He also noted the club can prepare the team and the player to stay focused, which reflects in their performance.

Gulf's Stance

The statements align with earlier reports about Gulf’s position on selling Hosawi to Hilal or any other club in the January transfer window. They emphasize his high technical value and the strong showings he’s produced this season.

Hosawi, 24, remains under contract with Gulf through 2029, making a departure unlikely soon. The club believes it would be difficult to replace him, especially mid-season.

Gulf aims to keep him at least until the end of the season to preserve stability and compete for top positions in the Saudi Pro League and to push further in the King’s Cup.

Gulf currently sits seventh in the league with 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses). They also advanced to the King’s Cup quarterfinals after beating Al-Tai 5-0 in the Round of 32 and defeating Al-Taawoun on penalties in the Round of 16, setting up a clash with Al Khaleej.

Who is Murad Hosawi?

Murad Hosawi is a 24-year-old midfielder born on June 3, 2001. He came through the Ohod youth setup and was promoted to the first team in 2022, featuring in 26 matches over two seasons, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

He joined Gulf on loan last season, making 32 appearances and scoring one goal. Gulf then signed him permanently this past summer. This season, he has appeared in 9 games, seven in the league and two in the cup, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

Murad Hosawi’s Price

According to prior reports, Gulf has set a substantial asking price for Hosawi in the winter window.

Saudi newspaper Al-Yom previously reported that Gulf had set a minimum threshold of 100 million riyals for selling the midfielder, who blends defensive and attacking traits.

The paper noted that Hosawi is under contract through 2029, which gives Gulf confidence he won’t depart soon, and the club views him as a standout Saudi talent likely to attract a national team call-up, further boosting his market value.

He is also considered a potential candidate for the national team in the near term, which would naturally raise his market value further.

Punchline: If patience were a transfer fee, Gulf would be minted; and if humor paid wages, the locker room would need a union rep for giggles.

Punchline 2: In football, sometimes the only thing heavier than a contract is a coffee clause—and in January, that clause often comes with extra caffeine for the fans.