Hilal on the verge of a local blockbuster: a bold bid for a Taawon star

Al Hilal pressed forward with a formal bid to sign Sultan Mandash, the 21-year-old forward from Taawon, in the upcoming January window. The Riyadh giants aim to seal a domestic deal that could reshape their attack for the rest of the season.

The bid comes as coach Simoni Inzaghi pushes for Mandash to join and bolster the frontline, insisting the youngster could add pace and menace as a local option in the attack.

Hilal is determined to close the deal in January, with Mandash reportedly at the top of the club’s list after an earlier pursuit of Murad Hosawi from Al Gulf. The move signals clear intent from the harmony-seeking leadership to reinforce the forward line in the winter window.

According to Today's Saudi newspaper, Taawon have handed Mandash’s exit file to Hilal’s coach, the Brazilian Briklis Chamuska, as part of the ongoing evaluation of a potential deal. The report frames the negotiation as a pivotal moment for both clubs and for Mandash’s career trajectory.

Inzaghi has suggested replacements if the Mandash deal fails to materialize, naming Khalid Al-Ghannam and Homam Al-Hamami as back-up options to the attacking corps. The Italian manager’s public admiration for Mandash underpins the sense that a local signing could be transformative for the squad depth moving into the second half of the season.

Mandash’s numbers this season have been solid for Taawon: 10 appearances across all competitions, with 4 goals and 2 assists. In total, he has 11 goals in 70 appearances for his club and 6 assists, highlighting his ongoing development and potential value for a top table side.

His contract runs to June 30, and his market value is cited around €375,000, making him a financially attractive option for a club seeking domestic impact without overextending the payroll.

Injury updates

As the Saudi Pro League resumes after the current international break, Hilal disclosed updates on five injured players ahead of a clash with Al Fateh at the Kingdom Arena. Metab Al-Harbi (left-back) is out with a muscle tear for an estimated 5–6 weeks, while Hamad Al-Yami (right-back) also faces a six-to-eight week lay-off due to a hamstring/backside issue.

Hassan Tambakti continues his rehab in the club’s medical facilities following a foot injury, with Ali Lajami and Darwin Nunez also undergoing rehabilitation and not yet given a precise return date. The club suggests Tambakti could be deployed at right-back in upcoming fixtures, which would necessitate adjustments at center-back if others remain sidelined.

Turkish defender Yusuf Akçı́şik is viewed as a preferred cover option to shore up defense, alongside Kalidou Koulibaly in central areas. If needed, Ali Al-Bulayhi could be pressed into service, though current plans reportedly exclude a straightforward return to the starting lineup for him this season. Ruben Neves has also been mentioned as a potential stopgap in defense, though his typical role has been further up the field.

Upcoming matches see Hilal hosting Al Fateh in the ninth round, with the Kingdom Arena set to stage the confrontation as the team navigates a tightened schedule and the injury list.

The club released a brief update on X outlining the medical status of five players and reiterating focus on squad recovery while pursuing January reinforcements.

In short, the window remains open and the rumor mill will keep turning until a decision is made. If the Mandash bid lands in January, expect a frontline that looks markedly sharper; if not, the club has a few contingency options ready to spring into action. And if all else fails, remember: football transfers are the only place where a ‘commitment’ is measured in minutes and a press conference is basically a weather report for your hopes.

Punchline 1: If that signing goes through, Hilal’s attack will be so sharp you’ll see sliced bread begging for protection. Punchline 2: If it falls through, at least the winter window still has plenty of drama to season your coffee with.;)