Shock Move in Saudi Derby: Will Abdullah Al-Hamdan Leave Al-Hilal for Al-Nassr?

Saudi forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan sits at the center of a potential winter transfer as Al-Hilal's contract talks stall and rival interest grows.

Will Abdullah Al-Hamdan leave Al-Hilal?

The 26-year-old striker's contract nears expiry, and reports from Al-Riyadiyah indicate a dispute over renewal terms. He currently earns about 150,000 SAR per month, with an annual signing bonus around 3.45 million SAR, totaling roughly 5.2 million SAR per year. Al-Hilal reportedly offered the same salary with a longer deal, but Hamdan declined, asking for greater concessions to stay.

Could he join Al-Nassr?

According to the same source, Hamdan is open to all offers in the coming period, including the traditional rival Al-Nassr. Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus reportedly welcomes the idea of a Hamdan arrival in January, seeing him as a strong addition.

Jesus has admired Hamdan since his time at Al-Hilal, praising him as a tactically aware striker with strong physical attributes. Hamdan has appeared 63 times for Al-Hilal under Jesus, scoring 9 goals and providing 7 assists, the best tally of his coaching career so far with a single manager.

A five-year spell with Al-Hilal

Hamdan has played as a forward and winger in Al-Hilal since February 2021, after coming through Riyadh's youth ranks at Al-Shabab and a brief spell in Spain with Sporting Gijón's academy. During roughly two seasons with Al-Shabab, he played 46 matches, scoring 5 goals and contributing 10 assists, but his production declined during his time with the “leader.”

Since arriving at the “Leaders,” the forward has appeared in 142 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists. The dip in scoring is largely attributed to limited starting opportunities as coaches often used him as a substitute behind foreign strikers.

International impact

Hamdan has a notable international record with Saudi Arabia, earning 40 caps and scoring 10 goals, along with two decisive assists. He shone during international windows, including contributing in September’s friendlies against North Macedonia (2-1 win) and the Czech Republic (1-1 draw). Coach Herve Renard hopes to keep him in the squad for future competitions, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.

Hamdan is regarded as one of Saudi football’s brightest prospects, with physical prowess, aerial advantage, and versatility to play as a central striker or a supporting forward. His journey from youth football to the national team underlines his potential as a long-term asset for both club and country.

Moreover, his continued development has positioned him as a key name in Saudi football circles, with the possibility of a major move adding extra spice to a league already brimming with talent.

Punchline time: If this transfer goes through, the Saudi derby might need a rule: no fans allowed to leave the stadium with pockets full of dreams—and wallets, too. Punchline two: I told my calendar about this move; it replied, “I’m booked for the next few weeks.”