From Hilal to a Fresh Start: Al-Maliki Joins Diriyah as a New Chapter Begins

A New Chapter Begins for a Saudi Midfielder

Abdul Ilah Al-Maliki, the former Al-Hilal midfielder, kicks off a new chapter in his football career after his official departure from the club.

Al-Hilal announced the termination of Al-Maliki's contract by mutual consent, with his deal set to expire next summer.

Diriyah FC announced on Wednesday evening that it had signed Abdul Ilah Al-Maliki, sharing a bespoke graphic of the player on X and added a line praising him as a falcon that strikes with its talons when it soars.

According to the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Maliki signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with Diriyah as a free transfer.

Al-Maliki had requested to move during the ongoing winter transfer window after finding limited playing time due to competition from Mohammed Kanno, Ruben Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, and Nasser Al-Dawsari.

The 31-year-old Saudi international joined Al-Hilal in January 2022, coming from Al-Ittihad Jeddah, but injuries have hampered his time on the pitch.

Punchline 1: If this transfer were a sniper shot, it would be a clean hit—no jargon, just goals.

Punchline 2: And if Diriyah's bench gets any louder, the fans might finally hear the whistle in stereo.