Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta has shed light on the latest developments in the winter transfer market, confirming that official negotiations are underway with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad to try and sign French international winger Moussa Diaby. These statements confirm the rumors linking the Italian club to the talented player, as they seek to strengthen their squad to compete strongly both domestically and in Europe.

In his remarks to Sky Sports, Marotta was clear and direct about his club's interest, saying: "I can confirm that we are currently in negotiations to sign Moussa Diaby from Al-Ittihad. The deal is very complicated and not easy at all due to the terms ." He added, explaining the nature of the challenges: "Diaby is an important player for his team; they have spent a lot on him, and we are handling this calmly, without putting any pressure on them, to see what happens."

Background and significance of the deal

Moussa Diaby, a Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate, is considered one of France's most promising winger talents. He made a name for himself during his time with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga before joining Al-Ittihad in the ambitious Saudi Pro League. Diaby is known for his blistering pace and exceptional dribbling skills, which allow him to penetrate opposing defenses – qualities Inter Milan are looking to add to Simone Inzaghi's attacking options.

Expected impact on stakeholders

For Inter Milan, signing Diaby, if it goes through, would represent a huge qualitative addition. The team, which is competing for the Serie A title and aiming for a deep run in the Champions League, would benefit from a player capable of creating chances from the wings and relieving pressure on the strikers. From Al-Ittihad's perspective, letting go of a player of Diaby's caliber so soon after signing him would be a blow, but it also underscores the club's financial strength and its ability to dictate difficult terms in negotiations, as Marotta hinted. Regionally, these negotiations reflect the growing relationship between major European clubs and the Saudi league, which has become a major player in the global transfer market.

Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad is also looking to bolster its squad during the current transfer window, based on the requests of new coach Sergio Conceição, who aims to build a team capable of competing for domestic and continental titles. The next few days will be crucial in determining the fate of this deal, which is eagerly awaited by football fans in both Italy and Saudi Arabia.

Strong statements ignite the top spot battle in the Saudi League

In a statement reflecting Al-Ahli Saudi FC's high ambitions this season, Algerian star and team captain Riyad Mahrez affirmed that the entire team is focused on one clear goal: winning the Saudi Professional League title. These remarks have intensified the competition at the top of the table, particularly with their traditional rivals and current leaders, Al-Hilal, and underscore that Al-Ahli, recently promoted back to the top flight, have not come simply to participate, but to seriously contend for the championship.

Mahrez told the media, “We are focused on one thing only, which is winning the Saudi League title. Every match we play is like a final, and the coaching staff and players are working hard to achieve this goal that our great fans are waiting for.” These words were not just a passing remark, but a clear message to the rivals that Al-Ahli possesses the determination and resolve to go all the way.

Background of the competition in an exceptional season

This statement comes in the context of a historic season for Saudi football, which has seen the influx of some of the world's brightest football stars thanks to significant support from the Public Investment Fund. The arrival of players of the caliber of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Franck Kessié, and Édouard Mendy at Al-Ahli, alongside other stars at rival clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad, has raised the league's level to unprecedented heights and made it a focus of global attention.

Al-Ahli, who spent one season in the Yellow Division, have made a strong comeback, reaffirming their status as one of the giants of Saudi football. Under the guidance of German coach Matthias Jäsle, the team has delivered outstanding performances, propelling them to a high position in the league table and making them direct contenders for the title, closing the gap with the league leaders in several rounds of the season.

The importance of the title race and its impact

The importance of this rivalry extends far beyond the local level, encompassing regional and international dimensions. Locally, the clash between Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal represents a continuation of a historic rivalry between two of the Kingdom's most popular clubs, adding a special dimension of excitement to the remaining matches. Winning the title in this exceptional season would be particularly significant and would solidify the champion's position in a new era for Saudi football.

Regionally and internationally, this fierce competition contributes to solidifying the image of the Saudi Professional League as one of the major leagues attracting viewers and investors. Statements from global stars like Mahrez are widely reported in major international media outlets, enhancing the Saudi league's brand and highlighting the tremendous development witnessed by the sports sector in the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030.

Abdullah Al-Hamdan's future hangs in the balance: A legal crisis is hindering his move to Al-Nassr

News of Al-Hilal striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan's potential signing with arch-rivals Al-Nassr has sparked a storm of controversy in Saudi sports circles during the current winter transfer window. While Al-Nassr's management is seeking to bolster its squad, legal advisor Yaqoub Al-Mutair revealed the existence of significant legal obstacles that could derail the entire deal, emphasizing that simply signing the contract does not guarantee the transfer is complete.

Legal details of the contract

In statements to the program “Our League is Different,” Al-Mutairi explained that Al-Hamdan’s official and immediate transfer requires a radical solution to his contractual situation with his current club, Al-Hilal. He said, “Abdullah Al-Hamdan must terminate his remaining contract with Al-Hilal in order to be registered during the winter transfer window.” Al-Mutairi outlined three possible legal paths to achieve this: “Either by mutual agreement between the player and the club, or by Al-Nassr purchasing the remaining term of the contract, or by unilaterally terminating it while bearing the resulting legal and financial consequences.” Without taking one of these steps, the player will remain registered with Al-Hilal until the end of his contract.

Background of the crisis and the player's desire

Al-Hamdan's desire to leave Al-Hilal stems from his exclusion from the plans of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. The player found himself out of the starting lineup due to the presence of a constellation of local and international stars in the team's attack. The young striker is seeking a new opportunity that will allow him to play regularly and regain his previous form, something he hopes to achieve with Al-Nassr, who are also looking to bolster their domestic attacking options.

The importance of the deal in the context of the Riyadh derby

This potential deal takes on added significance as it involves the two Riyadh giants, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Historically, direct transfers between the two clubs have been rare and highly controversial, often igniting fan passion and intensifying the rivalry. If Al-Nassr succeeds in poaching a player from their arch-rivals, it would represent a significant blow, both in terms of prestige and management, while Al-Hilal will strive to protect its contractual rights and maximize its financial gain should it agree to the player's departure. This off-field struggle is no less important than the on-field competition and reflects both clubs' ambitions to dominate Saudi football.

While negotiations and legal efforts continue to resolve this crisis, Al-Hilal Club continues its preparations for the Roshan Professional League competitions, as the team prepares to meet Al-Qadisiyah Club in the nineteenth round of the competition, in a match that will be held at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium.