Al Hilal's Winter Surprise: A Temporary Global Signing Heads to the Saudi Pro League

Winter transfer burst for Al Hilal

A Saudi media outlet reports that Al Hilal is preparing to announce a world-class deal in the coming hours, part of a winter reinforcement plan.

Shinef said on the show Dorina Ghair that Al Hilal will sign Spanish defender Pablo Mari from Fiorentina within hours.

The analyst added that coach Simone Inzaghi wants a new defender to cover for Kalidou Koulibaly who is with Senegal at AFCON.

Shinef noted that although a striker is also needed, Koulibaly's expected three-match absence reinforces the case for a defender to compete for local and continental trophies.

He also said the Mari deal is temporary, set to run in the Asian Champions League after Koulibaly's return, effectively making Mari seem to have no impact.

Mari has previously played for Arsenal, Flamengo and Udinese.

The move would mark a high-profile return to a European club for Mari. If completed, it would also free up space for a late striker option.