Relegation fears spark a surprising bid for Ali Bulayhi

Surprise suitor circles Ali Bulayhi as relegation battle heats up

Ali Bulayhi, the defender from Al Hilal, has seen his name rise in the winter transfer discussions after having limited playing time since Italian coach Simone Inzaghi took charge of the first team.

Al Hilal enter current season with big ambitions to compete on all fronts, prompting the technical staff to reshuffle both core players and those who might depart, aiming to tighten options and ensure readiness in the upcoming phase.

Bulayhi has become among the players whose minutes have dwindled, prompting him to consider moving somewhere he can play regularly, while trying to stay in the Saudi national team conversation ahead of upcoming international duties.

Al Akhdood enters the frame; loan talks may be imminent

In a surprising twist, the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported that Al Akhdood has entered the negotiation circle, expressing interest in taking the international defender on loan until the end of the season to bolster their back line with a player who has both local and continental exposure.

Sources say the Akhdood management plans to contact Al Hilal officially to discuss the possibility of completing the deal before the window closes, with Bulayhi's stance still under review.

Al Hilal's deal with Bulayhi runs until summer 2027 after a two-year extension, but the prolonged absence has raised questions about his near future. His last appearance for the Blue Wave dated back to the AFC Champions League Elite against Sharjah on December 22.

Al Akhdood currently sits 17th, second from bottom, in the Saudi Pro League, battling relegation and seeking experienced players like Bulayhi to help pull them clear in the coming weeks.