In Focus: Al-Hilal recruits could be game-changing for Saudi league

Al-Hilal look set to be a major player in this summer's transfer window.

The Saudi Arabian side were linked with a move for Lionel Messi, before the Argentine World Cup winner decided to leave Paris Saint-Germain for MLS strugglers Inter Miami. 

But reports claim Al-Hilal will soon get two key deals over the line in Wolves maestro Ruben Neves and Chelsea defender Kalidou Kouliably — with personal terms on lucrative contracts said to be agreed. 

As the football world comes to terms with Saudi spending, we shine the spotlight on the nation's biggest footballing institution.

Trophy haul

Al-Hilal might be a new name to some but they are the the most successful team in the history of Asian football with 66 trophies in total.

Founded in 1957, the Riyadh-based outfit won the inaugural Saudi Pro League title in 1976-77, which was the first of their 18 triumphs.

They have also thrived on the continental stage, winning a record four AFC Champions League crowns.

The last of their victories in that competition came in 2021, when they beat South Korea's Pohang Steelers 2-0 in the final.

Al-Hilal won the Saudi Pro League in 2021-22 but finished third last term as Al-Ittihad claimed the prize.

Riches galore

Al-Hilal's spending power is due to the fact they are one of four clubs now 75% owned by the country's Public Investment Fund — the others being Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli. 

As such, the teams will be battling it out this summer to compete for the most high-profile transfer targets.

But despite the PIF's recent investment, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is not worried about a mass exodus from Europe.

The UEFA chief said: "I think that it's mainly a mistake for Saudi Arabian football. 

"Why is that a problem for them? Because they should invest in academies, they should bring coaches, and they should develop their own players. 

"The system of buying the players that almost ended their career is not the system that develops football.

"It was a similar mistake in China when they all brought players who are at the end of their career."

State of play

Al-Hilal's squad contains a few recognisable names including former Porto marksman Moussa Marega.

Saudi Arabia's 2022 World Cup star Salem Al-Dawsari — who scored the famous winner against Argentina — is also part of their roster.

However, the team are currently managerless with ex-River Plate coach Ramon Diaz having ended his second spell at the club last month.

Some other famous faces have represented Al-Hilal down the years, including Brazil icon Rivellino, former Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis and retired French striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

Game-changer

Al-Hilal's impending acquisition of Neves could be a defining moment for Saudi Arabian football. 

Huge names in Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante have already joined the league, but they are in the twilight years of their careers.

Neves, however, is only 26 and approaching his prime — which could pave the way for other younger European players to follow suit and chase the riches on offer.