In a statement that caused a wide stir in Saudi sports circles, Mohammed Noor, the legend and historical captain of Al-Ittihad Club, revealed the behind-the-scenes details of his personal attempt to finalize the transfer of the young player Murad Hawsawi to the ranks of “Al-Ameed” during the winter transfer period, before Al-Hilal Club succeeded in snatching the player and securing his signature unexpectedly.

Details of the final moments in the contract race

During his appearance on the program “Our League is Different,” Nour recounted the details of what happened, saying, “I was actively searching for Murad Hawsawi’s number to contact him directly and convince him to join Al-Ittihad, given his talent and potential as a future asset to the team.” He added, with a tone of surprise, “But I woke up the next day to the news that Al-Hilal had officially finalized the signing. They were quicker in securing the deal.” This statement reflects the intense competition among major clubs for local talent, where speed of action has become a decisive factor.

Background of the historical conflict between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad

The rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the fiercest in the history of Saudi football. This rivalry isn't confined to the pitch; it extends powerfully into the transfer market. Over the decades, the sporting scene has witnessed numerous last-minute deals that have seen players move from one club to another, further fueling the excitement and passion of the fans. With the significant support currently enjoyed by the Saudi Professional League (SPL), the battle to acquire the most promising young Saudi talents has become just as crucial as attracting international stars, all in the pursuit of building strong teams capable of competing both domestically and continentally in the long term.

The strategic importance of the deal and its impact

Al-Hilal's signing of Murad Hawsawi from Al-Khaleej is a strategic move to bolster the team's midfield with a promising talent. This acquisition was made based on the vision of the coaching staff, led by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who seeks to enhance squad depth and increase the available options, especially given the congested fixture schedule and competition on multiple fronts. For Al-Hilal, Hawsawi represents an investment for the future, while Al-Ittihad's failure to sign him dealt a blow to their efforts to strengthen their ranks with a player who was one of their primary targets. This incident underscores that success in the transfer market is no longer solely dependent on desire, but also on a strong network of relationships, negotiating skills, and swift completion of deals, as demonstrated by Al-Hilal in this transfer.

In a revealing account reflecting the intensity of the rivalry between the two Saudi football giants, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad legend Mohammed Noor recounted the details of his personal attempt to intervene to finalize the transfer of young player Murad Hawsawi to the ranks of “Al-Ameed” (Al-Ittihad), before Al-Hilal snatched him away at the last minute during the winter transfer window.

Nour's statements, made on the program "Our League is Different," shed light on the behind-the-scenes workings of the Saudi transfer market. He said, "I was looking for Murad Hawsawi's number to convince him to join Al-Ittihad, and then suddenly I received news the next day that Al-Hilal had officially signed him ." These words reflect the shock and disappointment felt by the Al-Ittihad camp, which had seen Hawsawi as a valuable addition to their midfield.

A historic battle in the transfer market

The rivalry between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad for top local talent is an integral part of their long-standing sporting rivalry. Transfer windows have always witnessed a fierce competition between the two clubs to bolster their squads with the best players, adding another dimension to the Saudi Clasico. The signing of Housawi was no exception; it's just the latest in a long series of deals finalized at the last minute, highlighting Al-Hilal's strong negotiating and administrative prowess.

Who is Murad Hawsawi and what is his importance?

Murad Hawsawi, formerly of Al-Khaleej, has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in the Saudi Professional League, attracting attention with his strong performances in midfield and his ability to link defense and attack. His transfer to Al-Hilal not only strengthens the current squad but also represents a strategic investment in the club's future. This signing was based on the technical vision of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who seeks to add depth to his team and provide strong alternatives capable of competing at all levels, both domestically and continentally.

Impact of the deal on Jeddah and Riyadh clubs

For Al-Hilal, signing Hawsawi represents a continuation of the club's policy of attracting the best Saudi talent to ensure its long-term dominance and provide fresh blood to the team amidst a congested fixture schedule. For Al-Ittihad, however, losing out on the deal is a blow to the morale of its fans, who had hoped to bolster the squad with a promising young player, especially given the club's ambition to compete strongly for the league title. This incident underscores the importance of swift action and decisive negotiations in the modern world of football, where a player's destination can change within a few hours.

Veteran Greek coach Giorgos Donis, manager of Al-Khaleej FC, faces a significant tactical challenge ahead of their highly anticipated match against Al-Ahli, one of the giants of Saudi football, in the Roshan Professional League. This challenge stems from the impactful absence of Greek star Kostas Fortounis, considered the team's mastermind and primary playmaker, due to a recent injury.

The general context of the confrontation and its importance

This match, to be held at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, holds added significance for both teams. Al-Khaleej, who have been performing well this season, are looking to secure their mid-table position and distance themselves from the relegation zone. A positive result against a team of Al-Ahli's caliber would be a tremendous morale boost for both the players and their fans. On the other hand, Al-Ahli, who have made a strong return to the Pro League and boast a roster of international stars, enter every match aiming for nothing less than victory to continue their pursuit of a top spot in the standings. Any slip-up could prove costly in the fiercely contested title race.

Al-Omari... an opportunity to prove himself

With this significant absence, coach Donis, known for his extensive experience in Saudi football with Al-Hilal, opted to field Saleh Al-Amri to fill the void left by Fortounis. This decision represents a major gamble by the coach on Al-Amri's abilities in this crucial position, giving him a golden opportunity to prove his worth and earn the trust of the coaching staff. Al-Amri, alongside his fellow Greek player, Georgios Masouras, will form a formidable attacking duo expected to penetrate Al-Ahli's solid defense. This selection reflects Donis's confidence in the depth of his squad and the ability of local players to rise to the occasion in challenging situations.

The expected impact of the absence on Al-Khaleej's performance

The absence of a player of Fortounis' caliber, with his exceptional vision and ability to create chances from half-chances, will undoubtedly leave a void in Al-Khaleej's midfield. Coach Donis is expected to make some tactical adjustments to suit Saleh Al-Amri's style of play, which may differ from Fortounis's approach. The team might rely more on collective play and quick counter-attacks to compensate for the individual skill the Greek star provided. This match will be a true test of Al-Khaleej's resilience and ability to adapt to the absence of their key players against a ruthless opponent.