One Step Away: Will Al Hilal's Marginalized Midfielder Find a New Club?

Transfer Watch: Maliki's Future at Al Hilal

Reports emerged Wednesday night about a dramatic development concerning the future of one of Al Hilal's players who has seen his playing time dip under Italian manager Simone Inzaghi.

The Italian coach reportedly wants to trim domestic and foreign elements in the winter window to bring in names and build a squad capable of contending for all trophies.

According to the Saudi newspaper Al Yaom, Abdul Ilah Al-Maliki, Hilal's midfielder, will enter the free period in his contract in January, and the club has no intention of extending him.

Meanwhile, the Hilal administration does not oppose selling the remaining six months of his contract to any club that wants him, with Al Shabab the most interested indeed.

And the Saudi paper noted that Al Shabab's management is open to signing him, but left the first and final say to Spanish coach Imanol Alguacil on his ultimate stance.

Consequently, joining Shabab hinges on the coach's approval alone, as the player seeks to escape the Zaeem's hell, due to limited minutes, with Portuguese Ruben Neves occupying his spot—talk about musical chairs.