Midfield Tug-of-War: Will Morad Housawi Stay with Al-Khaleej or Move to Al Hilal?

Housawi's stance on the Al Hilal bid

Morad Housawi, a 24-year-old midfielder for Al-Khaleej, has reportedly expressed a measured stance about a potential winter transfer to Al Hilal, according to a Saudi newspaper. He is viewed as a rising talent who could strengthen the Blue Wave, but he is not rushing to leave his current club.

Al Hilal has shown interest in signing him on a permanent basis due to his impressive performances, and talks have taken place in recent weeks as the club seeks to bolster its midfield depth.

The midfield battleground at Al Hilal

The question now is where Housawi stands in a midfield that already features high-profile names and a crowded rotation. The player is eager to maintain a starting role with Gulf to secure a place in the national team for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

With Housawi under contract at Gulf until 2029, and the club valuing him at around 100 million Saudi riyals, any deal would be a major negotiation. The World Cup dream adds urgency for all parties involved.

Club context and world stage

Gulf believes that selling Housawi would not be easy, especially mid-season, and wants to preserve stability as they push for higher league finishes and a deeper run in the King Cup.

In Al Hilal’s squad, the competition for minutes is fierce. Serge Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, and a group of local talents including Mohammed Kanno, Nasser Al-Dosari, and Abdulilah Al-Maliki are all in the mix, meaning any move for Housawi would hinge on fit and balance.

The Saudi national team has its eyes on 2026, with recent selections underlining a shift toward a promising generation. The World Cup in 2026 will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams for the first time.

Morad Housawi’s background: born June 3, 2001, he came through the youth system of Ohod before being promoted to the first team in 2022. Over two seasons with Ohod, he made 26 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He moved to Gulf on loan last season and joined Gulf on a permanent deal in the summer of 2023. Since the start of this season, Housawi has appeared in 10 matches (8 in the league, 2 in the King Cup), scoring two goals and providing two assists.

Price and prospects

As the January window approaches, Gulf is reportedly holding firm on a significant asking price of 100 million SAR, backed by a contract that keeps the midfielder tied to the club until 2029. With an eye on the national team and a World Cup bid looming, Housawi faces a pivotal moment in his young career.

World Cup context

The kingdom’s national team has its eye on 2026, and recent steps—like inclusion in Arab Cup squads—underline the shift toward a golden generation. The tournament in 2026 will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with 48 teams, a historic expansion that adds both pressure and opportunity for players like Housawi.

Two light notes to wrap this up: 1) If Housawi moves, midfield traffic will be so dense that even the ball might need a map. 2) In football, timing is everything—especially when your decision could redefine the season’s tempo for Al Hilal and Gulf alike.