Al-Hilal are navigating a critical juncture as the new season approaches, with four major squad decisions threatening to derail manager Simone Inzaghi's ambitious rebuild. The Saudi Arabian giants must resolve these pressing issues swiftly, or risk stumbling out of the blocks in both domestic and continental competitions.
The Goalkeeper Dilemma
Moroccan shot-stopper Yassine Bounou has been one of Al-Hilal's standout performers since joining the club, but international interest has clouded his immediate future. The club faces a binary choice: register him exclusively for the AFC Champions League Elite and exclude him from the Saudi Pro League, or sell him outright to create salary cap space for additional foreign recruits. This decision carries significant weight given Bounou's consistency and experience at the highest level.
Right-Back Crisis Looms Large
The right-back position presents Al-Hilal's most pressing technical challenge. Joao Cancelo's imminent departure has left the club scrambling, yet management has failed to identify or pursue a credible replacement. Inzaghi's tactical system relies heavily on full-back incursions into the attacking third, making this an integral component of his philosophy. With only Hamad Al-Yami as cover, the Italian tactician risks facing a defensive crisis if negotiations drag beyond the transfer window's closure.
Benzema's Uncertain Status
Karim Benzema's position at Al-Hilal remains unresolved amid fresh striker targets. Management is exploring multiple scenarios: limiting the French veteran to Asian competition only, or negotiating a complete exit should a world-class replacement materialize. Benzema's future has become entirely contingent on club strategy and Inzaghi's evolving vision for the attacking unit.
Salem Al-Dawsari at the Crossroads
Perhaps most delicate is captain Salem Al-Dawsari's situation. The Saudi winger wants to finish his career at Al-Hilal, but recruitment moves targeting Crysencio Summerville and rumoured links to Ousmane Dembele threaten his starring role. Al-Dawsari faces an uncomfortable choice: accept reduced playing time with his boyhood club, or seek a fresh challenge guaranteeing regular first-team football elsewhere.
How Al-Hilal's leadership navigates these four crossroads over the coming weeks will determine whether Inzaghi can orchestrate success in his first season or whether the club stumbles into an unnecessarily turbulent campaign.
