Winter signings heat up the Saudi throne: Sultan Mandesh boosts Al Hilal as Mari arrives
11 January 2026
New winter signings bolster the squad
Al Hilal, under its presidency, has completed the signing of midfielder Sultan Mandesh, who will represent the first team for two and a half years. The signing ceremony took place this Sunday at the club's headquarters.
Mandesh, 31, is one of the Saudi Pro League's standout midfielders, having represented during his career clubs including Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Najran, Al-Faisaly, Al-Fayha, and Al-Taawoun.
Negotiations with Mandesh had been successful in recent weeks, after the Italian coach Simone Inzaghi listed him among his transfer targets for the upcoming period.
Mandesh has delivered strong performances with Al-Taawoun this season, which earned him a call-up to the Saudi national team under Hervé Renard.
Earlier today, Al Hilal also announced the signing of Spanish defender Pablo Mari from Fiorentina.
Upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture
The Saudi Pro League context remains active as Al Hilal eyes a busy schedule, with the winter window adding depth ahead of key fixtures in January 2026.
Captioned images and official announcements continue to shape the club’s roster as the season progresses.
Punchline 1: If transfers were a sniper rifle, Al Hilal just fired a perfect headshot—calibrated, quiet, and highly entertaining to watch.
Punchline 2: With Mandesh arriving and Mari on board, the bench might start filing its own fan club—because depth like this doesn’t come around every transfer window.
