Money on the Line: Will Al-Maliki Block Morad Hawasawi’s Move to Al Hilal?
10 January 2026
Transfer twists unfold in Saudi football
Fact: The transfer saga of Morad Hawasawi keeps surprising Al Hilal fans.
A Saudi press report outlines new developments in Morad Hawasawi's move from Gulf to Al Hilal during the ongoing winter window, following Abdulilah Al-Maliki's refusal to join a swap deal.
Sources say Maliki declined participating in the swap, preferring not to pursue a professional stint with Gulf.
The Saudi daily Al-Yaum reported that Maliki only rejects moving to Gulf, and his decision is not tied to the Hawasawi bid.
The paper noted that such a refusal would not derail the Hawasawi deal, as every transfer is studied against the blue team's needs and players' readiness.
Hawasawi, 24, has appeared 11 times for Gulf this season, scoring twice and assisting twice, and he recently earned a place with the Saudi national team.
Punchline: Money can buy a script, but it can't buy the timing of a good tackle.
Punchline 2: If the deal collapses, at least the rumor mill will have job security.
