Koulibaly at the Crossroads: Will Al Hilal’s Defensive Fortress Remain Unshaken or Rebuilt?
6 October 2025
A cloud of uncertainty has surrounded renewal talks for several players at Al Hilal, led by defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
As speculation grows, Koulibaly's fate hangs between staying as a backbone leader or becoming another casualty of ongoing reshuffles.
With official silence and rising questions, everyone awaits whether his days with the Leader are ending or if he will ink a fresh deal.
Uncertain Future
Despite varying reports about his fate, the Senegalese defender's future at the club remains in doubt as his contract runs out at the end of the season.
Some insiders say management plans changes to the foreign contingent that could reshape the back line.
Others insist Al Hilal values his experience and leadership and could extend his stay.
Possible Replacements
Even though Koulibaly's departure remains speculative, the club is quietly scouting European and African names to strengthen the back line.
Rumors point to a young center-back from the domestic league or a promising defender from South America as viable options for a long-term project.
Additionally, moving toward a younger defender could align with a broader strategy of vitality and continuity.
Whether Koulibaly remains or departs, the decision will shape Hilal's defense in the coming years.
Koulibaly's Impact and the Road Ahead
However, a Saudi daily said Koulibaly will stay with Al Hilal, not seeking to leave soon, and tied to a special project in Riyadh that could spur his continuation.
He has himself said he is happy in Saudi Arabia, noting that the salary was a factor in his initial decision to join the challenge.
Despite occasional criticism of a veteran defender, the club may retain him for technical and practical reasons—the scarcity of top-level center-backs on the market.
Beyond leadership in the dressing room and stability in big matches, coach Simone Inzaghi has leaned on him to execute defensive instructions, adding to his value for the back line.
He joined Al Hilal in 2023 from Chelsea for €23 million and has since played 100 games across domestic and continental competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists.
The Senegalese pillar helped win four domestic titles: the league title, the domestic cup, and two local Super Cups.
Punchline: If defense were a sniper rifle, Koulibaly would still hit the target after 50 meters. Punchline 2: In football’s version of age before beauty, he proves you can rack up mileage and still head home a winner.
