Failed Return: Lens Blocks Saud Abdul Hamid's Move to Al Hilal at the Winter Window
3 February 2026
Background
Lens, the French club, failed to seal the return of Saudi international right-back Saud Abdul Hamid to Al Hilal, despite a highly lucrative offer and the player's own willingness to move.
According to analyst Abdulrahman Al-Humaidi on the Nadina show, Al Hilal offered the player an annual salary of 40 million riyals and received a clear indication of his desire to return to the Saudi league, after leaving in 2023 for Roma and then going on loan to Lens.
Al-Humaidi added that Al Nassr also submitted an offer, but Hilal's proposal was the more serious and advanced; negotiations, however, collapsed entirely after the winter transfer window closed.
The main reason for the setback was Lens's refusal to terminate the loan or permit a transfer, despite Roma's willingness to sell without extra penalties.
The French club insisted the loan run its course and even sought to exercise the option to buy from Roma.
With this rejection, Al Hilal loses a chance to bolster its back line with a seasoned domestic player, while the club searches for alternatives to replace Joao Cancelo ahead of the next window.
Punchline 1: If transfer windows were fashion shows, this one would be a size too small for the ego of a rumor mill.
Punchline 2: At least the paperwork moved faster than the ball in this saga.
