Al Hilal targets a rival star’s brother in a bold winter move
13 January 2026
Winter recruitment intensifies as Al Hilal eyes a rival star’s brother
Al Hilal continues its January window push, chasing more players, this time the brother of Al Ahli’s standout star.
Recent signings include Spanish defender Pablo Mari from Fiorentina and Saudi winger Sultan Mundesh from Taawoun, with Murad Hosawi reportedly close to joining.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat, the Blue Wave have begun talks with Al Qadisiyah to sign right-back Mohammed Abu Al-Shamat during this window.
The move follows Joao Cancelo’s loan exit to Barcelona, which leaves Hamad Al-Yami as the only clearly established right-back option.
Abu Al-Shamat is regarded as one of the league’s top right-backs, having appeared in 16 matches for Qadisiyah this season and contributing three assists.
Mohammed is the brother of Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, the current Al Ahli star; they played together at Qadisiyah before Saleh moved to Al Khaleej and then to Al Hilal in the summer.
Punchline 1: If winter transfers were a dating app, this deal would be “swipe right” — and hope it isn’t a catfish.
Punchline 2: In football, sometimes a sibling connection is the best tactic; maybe the whole family will be wearing the same jersey soon.
