Hilal Replies with a Calculated Move as Atletico Madrid Pushes for Marcos Leonardo on Loan
1 February 2026
Deal in Focus
Al Hilal Saudi Club has responded to Atletico Madrid's official bid to take Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo on loan until the end of the current season, just days before the winter window closes.
Context and Details
According to the Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah, the Saudi giants are prepared to approve the loan, with Leonardo reportedly open to a move to the Spanish powerhouse.
Hilal aims to offload Leonardo to pave the way to sign another striker, with Rennes forward Mohamed Kadyr Meité being touted as the likely arrival.
Earlier reports suggested Hilal offered Leonardo either a short-term loan or to stay out of the domestic squad while focusing on the Asian Champions League matches.
Leonardo joined the team in the summer of 2024 from Benfica on a contract through June 2029.
Over a season and a half, the forward has played 67 matches for the club, scoring 43 goals and providing 5 assists.
This season, he has appeared in 24 games, scoring 14 goals and contributing one assist.
All of this comes as Hilal prepares to face their arch-rivals Al Ahli tomorrow as the 20th round of the Saudi Pro League unfolds.
What’s Next
With the winter window looming, the potential Meité move would depend on mutual agreement on a fee and the player adapting to the Spanish league.
Punchline: If loans were dating apps, this one would be swiped right—until the season ends, and then you both realize you matched with a budget and a calendar full of “maybe next weeks.”
Punchline 2: And if the deal falls through, just remember: football calendars have more plot twists than my fantasy team and they still somehow pay out with more goals.
