Hilal's Bold Backup Plan: Two Contenders Stand Ready If Mandesh Deal Stalls

Al Hilal has its sights set on two players as potential fallbacks should their bid for Sultan Mandesh from Al Taawon not come to fruition.

Earlier reports indicated serious talks with Al Taawon to bring Mandesh in during the upcoming winter transfer window, at the request of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi.

The Saudi outlet Al-Yawm reported that Inzaghi had two other names on the table, led by Khalid Al-Ghannam of Al Ettifaq.

Al-Ghannam has been delivering solid form for Al Ettifaq this season, featuring in nine matches across league and cup, with four goals and two assists. The 25-year-old, who previously spent time with Hilal on loan last season, appeared 16 times and scored once.

His best spell came with rivals Al Nassr between 2020 and 2024, where he played 105 matches, scored 10 goals and provided 12 assists. Ghannam primarily operates on the left wing, though he can also play on the right, and Inzaghi had already seen him during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, coming on as a substitute in the 4-3 win over Manchester City in the quarterfinals.

Internationally, he earned his first call-up in 2022 under coach Herv Renard, collecting three caps with no goals to date.

Inzaghi’s scouting has clearly kept an eye on Ghannam, who could offer Hilal immediate depth if Mandesh cannot be secured.

Second Mandesh Replacement

Another option Inzaghi considered is Hamam Al-Hamami, a current winger at Al Shabab, slotted in as a third option if Mandesh and Ghannam aren’t brought in, according to the same Saudi newspaper.

Al-Hamami has not had a breakout season with Shabab, featuring seven times since this summer’s move but still waiting for a first goal or assist with his new club.

His best form last season came with Al Khaleed (Al Kholood) on loan, where he played 32 matches and scored four goals while providing three assists.

The 21-year-old is predominantly a right winger but can operate on the left as well. He has a single Saudi cap, earned in a Gold Cup group-stage match against Haiti in June this year, and he debuted for the national team in 2022.

Al-Hamami’s trajectory suggests he could grow into a longer-term option if the Mandesh pursuit stalls, though the competition for places in the forward line remains intense for Hilal.

Mandesh’s Momentum

Sultan Mandesh has emerged as one of Saudi football’s most standout performers of late, contributing prominently to Al Taawon’s strong start in the Roshen Saudi Pro League.

Taawon sit second in the table with 21 points, three behind leaders Al Nassr, a reflection of the winger’s impact this season. At 31, he remains a central figure for the team and has drawn international attention as well, earning a recall to the Saudi squad for the current camp in Jeddah to face Ivory Coast and Algeria.

Mandesh returned to the national team after a six-year absence, with his last appearances dating back to March 2019. In the current campaign, he has appeared in 10 matches across all competitions for Taawon, scoring four goals and adding two assists. Across 70 appearances for Taawon to date, he has 11 goals and 6 assists in total. His rich Saudi club history includes stints with Najran, Al Faisaly, Al Fayha, and spells at giants Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, where he contributed with a goal and several assists across his tenure.

His Saudi national team recall came under coach Herv Renard, and Mandesh previously earned caps dating back to 2019 under the tenure of Juan Antonio Pizzi. The winger’s blend of pace, crossing ability, and experience at top clubs lends him continued appeal for both Taawon and possible suitors like Hilal, should the transfer window favor a late twist rather than a clean finale.

As the saga unfolds, Hilal’s front office will be weighing not only Mandesh’s fitness and price but also how Ghannam and Hamami could press into immediate action if the deal stalls. In any case, the club’s January plans are already shaping a narrative that could redefine how they close the winter window.

And if the signing drama turns into a soap opera, at least the popcorn in the club’s cafeteria will be deliciously dramatic. If that fails, Hilal might consider hiring a fortune-teller who predicts goals—statistically, that would be more reliable than most transfer rumors. Finally, perhaps they’ll just clone Mandesh in the training ground; if you can’t buy him, you can always copy him—without the contract headaches.