Saudi transfer shocker: the mega bid that redefined a league’s power play
4 octobre 2025
Behind the transfer market's shadowy corners, deals are not always sealed on the public negotiating table, but behind closed doors where interests mingle with secrets, and ambitions clash with calculations.
There are always players who vanish from the scene suddenly, deals that collapse at the last moment, and others that emerge from nowhere to become street talk in football circles.
The Saudi transfer market, like its European counterparts, has seen big moves wrapped in hidden machinations.
Koora shines a light on the historic transfer of Metab Al-Harbi to Al-Hilal, as part of a "Business" report series.
Rising Star
Metab Al-Harbi has risen quickly to the Saudi football sky through the youth ranks and the under-23 national team.
He began his first-team career with Al-Shabab at age 19, after he was promoted to the senior squad in 2020.
He became a cornerstone for the "Lions" with 107 appearances, scoring five goals and delivering 12 assists.
With the Saudi under-23 team, he played six matches, scoring two goals, drawing attention from the biggest clubs.
Technical and Tactical Edge
Metab's technical and tactical abilities gave him a clear edge at left-back, boasting speed that helps with defensive cover and rapid counterattacks, along with solid passing accuracy enabling build-ups from the back.
Defensively, he closes spaces and presses early, with good reads of opponents' movements on the flanks. Offensively, he can operate on the wing, delivering crosses that open space for forwards inside the box.
Technically, he adheres to the coach's instructions and can adapt to different systems, whether a defensively balanced approach or an attacking wing-based plan, making him a valuable asset. Moreover, he can play as a left winger thanks to his skills, becoming one of the standout local stars in recent times.
Record Bid and Behind-the-Scenes Auction
His breakout at youth level and for the national team triggered fierce competition among Saudi giants, led by Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal.
His name was frequently linked to moves to top clubs, before Al-Nassr reportedly struck late in the 2024 window and Al-Hilal stepped in at the end to seal the deal.
Reports at the time suggested he had reached an agreement with Al-Nassr, with final touches on structure and money with Al-Shabab.
The bid that finally sealed the move has been reported around 123 million riyals, making him the most expensive Saudi player in history.
The deal dealt a blow to the Nassr side, who had seemingly closed everything with the club, only to be stunned by Al-Hilal's late surge.
Following the deal, former Shabab president Mohammed Al-Manjam revealed hidden details behind the event, saying he deliberately leaked information to spark a bidding war.
He said the reason for the delay with Nassr was mismanagement within the club, but he claimed that contact with the club president never happened the way it should.
He added that negotiations were not ideal, unlike with Al-Hilal, where he wanted to talk only to the club president, which did happen in the end.
He concluded that he expected resistance but was surprised by how quickly the other side agreed; in his words, "Hilal is a big club and respected my wishes."
He also said that when asked for a fee, he requested the amount and the loan of Musab Al-Jweir, who promptly received his approval and the deal was done.
A Great Choice
Even though Al-Hilal did not lock a regular starting spot for Al-Harbi, he remains an indispensable card, whether as a bench option or for certain fixtures.
He earned his role under coach Jorge Jesus and has become one of the key players in the era of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi.
Al-Harbi appeared for Al-Hilal in 42 matches across competitions, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
His standout display came in the Club World Cup clash versus Manchester City, a 4-3 win for the team in the knockout stage.
He took part in all matches in the tournament, with three appearances as a substitute and two as a starter.
