Saudi Derby Shockwave: Will Pablo Mari Move Shape the Riyadh Showdown?

Riyadh Derby Sparks Transfer Talk

The 'Leader' gears up for a fresh surprise.

Saudi football powerhouse Al Hilal is reportedly plotting a startling move before their local derby with arch-rivals Al Nassr in the Roshen Saudi Pro League.

Al Hilal will host Al Nassr the day after tomorrow, Monday, at Kingdom Arena, in the fifteenth round of the competition this season.

Media outlet Al-Yawm reported that Italian coach Simone Inzaghi intends to rely on Spanish defender Pablo Mari, currently with Fiorentina, as the key man for the Riyadh derby against their city rivals.

Reports suggested Hilal were close to buying Mari from Fiorentina for around 1.5 to 2 million euros, with a contract through the end of the current season and a possible extension for another season, too soon before the transfer.

The newspaper added that the Spaniard would be registered on the local squad list for a short period, then removed, with registration limited to the Asian list for the remainder of the season lasting until summer only.

And Inzaghi's plan to rely on Mari comes despite the absence of Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who will miss action with his national team at 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

And the Riyadh derby promises to be pivotal this season, with Al Hilal atop the standings on 35 points, four clear of second-placed Al Nassr today at least.

Note that the 33-year-old has appeared in 11 Fiorentina matches this season in Serie A, plus 5 more in the Europa Conference League this season.

Punchline 1: If this transfer goes through, Al Hilal's defense will be so tight the ball will need a restraining order against hard targets.

Punchline 2: If not, at least the transfer chatter keeps the off-season as spicy as a double shot of espresso—one way or another, the headlines stay awake.