Al Hilal lands Pablo Mari in a winter shocker: a €2m move that could reshape their defense

Transfer Update: Al Hilal Nears Pablo Mari Signing

Al Hilal is reportedly close to signing Spanish defender Pablo Mari from Fiorentina during the current winter transfer window, after missing out on two targets from Inter Milan.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said the move is on track after Fiorentina gave the green light for talks with the Saudi club, with the deal expected to be finalized in the coming hours.

Fabrizio Romano also reported that Fiorentina has authorized Al Hilal to negotiate with Mari in order to clinch the deal soon.

The transfer fee is said to be around two million euros, a modest price for a defender with Mari’s experience.

The failure to sign Acerbi or De Vrij was linked to Joao Cancelo’s reluctance to move to Inter Milan, as he was nearing a Barcelona switch.

Pablo Mari is a 33-year-old Spaniard who has been with Fiorentina since January last year, after arriving from Monza, and has appeared in 29 matches for the Viola since then.

This season he has featured in 16 games, 11 in Serie A and 5 in the Conference League.

Mari’s career has included stints with Arsenal (2020-2022), Manchester City, Girona, Deportivo La Coruña, Breda, Flamengo, Udinese, Monza, and Fiorentina.

Punchline 1: If he can defend two lines, he can defend your paycheck too—call him the ultimate budget guardian.

Punchline 2: They say good defenders are priceless; apparently Mari just got discounted to €2m. Talk about value for money on defense—and sarcasm on the sideline.