Al-Hilal Transfers 2024: Needs, Targets, Potential Signings and Outgoings

Al-Hilal Transfers 2024: An Overview

Al-Hilal are one of the most decorated clubs not only in Saudi Arabia, but across the entirety of the Asian continent. They have won a record 18 Pro League titles and are currently leading the table with 53 points from 19 games, en route to possibly lifting title number 19.

The Saudi club have won the greatest number of official trophies in Asia with an astounding 66 honors to their name. This includes four AFC Champions League titles, with the latest coming in 2021.

Much like the recruitment strategy followed by their closest rivals, Al-Hilal focussed on acquiring marquee talent from Europe in order to boost their chances. With local hero Salem Al-Dawsari in their ranks alongside Aleksandar Mitrovic, Neymar, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves, among others, the club looks set in their upward trajectory for upcoming seasons.

Al-Hilal have been a dominant force this season, though, showing very few chinks in their armor as they have steamrolled past all their opponents in the last few months. They are currently on a remarkable 28-match unbeaten run, consisting of 25 wins and three draws. They have won their last 20 games in a row, with their last defeat coming against Al Nassr way back in August 2023.

However, like any other team, they could use a couple of additions too. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what the Pro League frontrunners require.

Al-Hilal Transfers 2024: What do they need?

• Marquee signing Neymar has just made five appearances for the club since joining. In his absence, Mitrovic (21 G/A), Malcom (14 G/A) and Al-Dawsari (11 G/A) have carried the team. The club could look to offload the Brazilian and bring a player who is available more often and would demand fewer wages.
• Surprisingly, Al-Hilal have improved both defensively and offensively this season compared to the last. They have conceded just nine goals in 19 games so far, scoring 59. Last season, they scored 54 goals in 30 games and conceded 29.
• Al-Hilal is currently unbeaten in the Pro League, having won 17 and drawn two of their 19 games. Usually, teams on such runs of form barely rotate their starting XIs. Most of their top players have played in every game this season, with half of the campaign still to come.

With most bases covered, Al-Hilal seems to be on a great trend with their current form. However, players are at a risk of burnout should they continue to play games with such regularity and intensity, with knockout phases of competitions yet to come.

Manager Jorge Jesus and the club should ideally focus on bringing in depth for more demanding positions on the field such as wide areas, including full-backs and wingers. They could also look to bring in a big-name centre-back to partner Kalidou Koulibaly.

ALSO READ: Al Hilal targets MLS Golden Boot winner as Neymar’s replacement: Reports.

Al-Hilal Transfers 2024: Potential Targets & Signings

Antony

Since switching from Ajax to Manchester United in a blockbuster deal worth £90 million in August 2022, Antony has failed to hit the ground running and replicate his form with the Dutch side. In 65 appearances for United so far, the Brazilian winger has scored just eight goals and provided three assists. He is yet to register a single goal contribution in 21 appearances across competitions this season.

In contrast, Antony bagged 24 goals and 22 assists for Ajax in 82 appearances across competitions and looked like a promising player.

Aged just 23 with majority of his life and career ahead of him, a couple of years in another league could do Antony more good than bad. Moving to the SPL could allow him to regain confidence in his abilities without constantly being under tight scrutiny that comes with being a Manchester United player. A long-term loan could be a distant possibility, but Al-Hilal will have to make a special effort to push the deal through.

Jamie Vardy

A likelier and more realistic attacking option, Vardy could provide Al-Hilal with the exact kind of expertise and cover that they need, without having to worry about starting him every game. Aged 37, the Englishman has achieved all there is to be won in his home nation and could be lured away by a big-money offer to finish off his career in style.

Despite being relegated from the Premier League with Leicester City last season, Vardy has done well in the Championship with limited minutes this season. He has bagged six goals and one assist in 18 appearances.

During his time in the Premier League, however, Jamie Vardy was a top marksman, scoring 136 goals and providing 49 assists in 307 appearances for Leicester.

A move to the SPL could be tempting for a player in the twilight of his career.

Seamus Coleman

The Irishman who was once Everton’s first name on the team sheet for several years has slowly declined and is now seeing off his contract as a rotation player. Seamus Coleman is an Everton legend in every right, having made 412 appearances for the club in his 14 years with them. He has also chipped in with 28 goals and 32 assists during that time.

However, Coleman’s game time has drastically dropped in the last couple of seasons. He played for 1881 minutes across 26 games last season, which has plummeted to just 295 minutes in five appearances this time around. It is to be noted that he was also nursing an injury for a few months earlier this season, but has generally falling down Sean Dyche’s pecking order as well.

A move to the SPL at 35 could be the perfect way to end what has been a great career.

Al-Hilal Transfers 2024: Potential Departures

With the rest of the team fairly settled and performing better than ever, Neymar seems to be the only piece in the puzzle that hasn’t fit so well. Plagued by poor luck with injuries, the Brazilian has made just five appearances for Al-Hilal since joining.

Replacing Neymar with a player who would provide more utility in terms of appearances as well as goal contributions for a significantly lower price could be the way forward for the club. It would also open the door for a possible return to Santos in his native Brazil for Neymar.

ALSO READ: Al Nassr Transfers 2024: Needs, Targets, Potential Signings and Outgoings.