Al Hilal Signals Bold Exit: Midfielder on the Brink as Club Reshuffles
13 January 2026
Transfer Update
Al Hilal's squad is set for a reshuffle as one of its midfielders edges toward exit during winter window, after being dropped from coach Simone Inzaghi's plans.
Inzaghi wants to clear space for players who can implement his ideas and compete for titles this season.
According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadhiah, the club has obliged the wish of Abdullah Al-Maliki, the midfielder, who has requested a move during the current mercato.
Sources say talks are underway to terminate his contract so he can join another club and feature regularly, with a view to earning a place in the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals.
Al-Maliki has lately been linked with Al Shabab, Al Taawoun, and Al-Ettifaq, but his decision will come once he leaves the club.
Sniper punchline 1: If exits in football were sniper shots, that move lands a clean hit—quiet, precise, and with zero collateral damage to the rest of the squad.
Sniper punchline 2: Welcome to the transfer window, where midfielders practice invisibility cloaks—suddenly, everyone’s watching who leaves the squad sheet.