Clash of the Clauses: Al Hilal Spars for Murad Housawi, and a Transfer Saga Heats Up

The clause that could ignite a bidding war

Saudi sports outlets report a fresh hurdle in Al Hilal’s pursuit of Murad Housawi from Al-Khaleej, as a surprising contract clause may spark a bidding war for the 24-year-old midfielder.

The capital club has reportedly submitted an official bid ahead of the upcoming winter window to secure his services, while Housawi’s current deal runs for four seasons and is due to expire in the summer of 2029.

Housawi, 24, has spent multiple seasons with Gulf, including a recent spell on loan before Gulf signed him permanently this past summer. So far this season, he has featured in several games, contributing with a goal and two assists.

Fierce competition

According to Saudi press, clubs interested in Housawi have begun informal talks with Gulf’s management about selling the player’s contract.

The move followed a letter of intent from Al Hilal expressing interest in Housawi, without naming a transfer fee.

Gulf’s board, led by Ahmed Khreeda, is reportedly preparing financial terms for any potential deal.

The rising clause

The press notes a provocative clause in Housawi’s contract that could open the door to a bidding process among interested clubs, given the player’s age and upside.

It’s claimed that Ohod, the club that previously sold Housawi to Gulf, retains up to 40% of any future sale if Gulf moves him.

While the transfer value from Ohod to Gulf was reportedly under one million riyals, the high percentage owed back to Ohod and the clause could narrow Gulf’s options to keep or move the midfielder.

Gulf reportedly seeks the highest feasible price due to the clause and Ohod’s stake.

Currently, Gulf sits seventh in the Saudi Pro League with 11 points (3 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses). They advanced to the King Salman Cup quarterfinals after a 5-0 win over Al-Ta’i in the Round of 32, then beat Al-Taawoun on penalties in the Round of 16, setting a date with Al Khaleej.

Who is Murad Housawi?

Murad Housawi is a 24-year-old midfielder born on June 3, 2001. He developed with Ohod’s academy, was promoted to the first team in 2022, and over two seasons made 26 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

He joined Gulf on loan last season, playing 32 games and scoring once. Gulf then signed him on a permanent deal in the summer window. This season, he has played nine times for Gulf (seven in the league and two in the King Salman Cup), scoring one goal and providing two assists.

Ali Al-Mohsen, Gulf’s CEO, confirmed that talks to sign the midfielder are ongoing and that the Canary club would not oppose his departure if a suitable offer arrives. He emphasized staying focused on important fixtures and cautioned that rumors can distract players and teams, though Gulf historically receives offers for its players due to their talent and impact.

Discussions continue, with the expectation that a mutual benefit would drive any deal; otherwise, the current contract runs through 2029, leaving little to rush or panic about.

In closing, it’s clear that Gulf aims to maximize value given the clause, while other clubs watch closely as Murad Housawi’s stock rises with national-team exposure and recent performances. If a deal does materialize, expect a dramatic winter window worth following.

Punchlines:

1) If this transfer were a sniper shot, the contract clause would be the crosshair—and the target keeps dodging it with every rumor that drops.

2) If Murad keeps finding the back of the net, someone should issue a scoreboard with a built-in inflation rate—because that price tag is climbing faster than a sprint finish.