Al-Hilal President Opens Up on Failed Osimhen, Fernandes, Hernandez Deals — Blames "Illogical" Offers and Post-Season Fatigue
The ambitious transfer efforts of Al-Hilal have hit a summer slump — and club president Fahad Bin Nafal is not mincing words about it.
Despite having the financial firepower to shake the global football market, the Saudi Pro League giants have failed to land major stars such as Victor Osimhen, Bruno Fernandes, and Theo Hernandez. Even a bold approach for Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for fierce rivals Al-Nassr, fell flat.
💬 “Illogical Offers” and Exhausted Players
In a candid statement, Bin Nafal revealed the two major reasons why Al-Hilal’s high-profile transfer pursuits have fallen through:
Illogical counter offers from clubs and agents
Player fatigue after a long and intense football season
“We’ve spoken with many players, but they want to go on vacation after a long season,” he said.
“We tried to sign several players before the World Cup, but were unsuccessful due to lack of time and faced illogical offers.”
🤔 Is the Saudi Project Losing Momentum?
Al-Hilal’s aggressive pursuit of top European talent had generated massive buzz last season, especially after high-profile arrivals like Neymar. But this window’s setbacks raise critical questions:
Are European clubs and agents pushing back on Saudi clubs' financial dominance?
Are players still hesitant about leaving top-tier European competition for the Gulf — even with money on the table?
While the club has brought in Simone Inzaghi to take the helm, following his Champions League heartbreak with Inter Milan, the lack of marquee signings could pose a challenge to building the squad he envisions.
✍️ Opinion: Saudi Money Alone Won’t Guarantee Signings
The Osimhen saga, in particular, shows that talent wants more than just money — they want legacy, competition, and clarity.
If Saudi clubs truly want to compete at the top level, they must not just offer eye-watering wages, but also structure, vision, and timing. Star players want assurance — not just in dollars but in long-term career prospects.
It’s not the end of the Saudi revolution in football — but it’s a reminder that this is a marathon, not a sprint.
🔮 What’s Next for Al-Hilal?
Will the club bounce back with a surprise late signing, or will this summer go down as a missed opportunity?
Let us know who you think should be Al-Hilal’s next big target!
#AlHilalTransfers #VictorOsimhen #CristianoRonaldo #BrunoFernandes #TheoHernandez #SaudiLeagueAmbition #InzaghiEra #GlobalFootballShifts
