In a definitive statement that puts an end to all speculation, Al-Fateh's media officer, Mr. Mohammed Al-Dhaif, denied reports circulating about official negotiations by Al-Hilal to sign the talented right-back, Saeed Ba'atia, during the current winter transfer window. Al-Dhaif confirmed in an exclusive statement to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi that all the rumors circulating in the media and on social media regarding this matter are baseless, emphasizing that no official offer has been received from Al-Hilal for the player.

Background of the Saudi transfer market

This denial comes amidst a very active winter transfer window in the Saudi Professional League, which has garnered global attention after attracting international stars. In this context, major clubs, most notably Al-Hilal, are striving to strengthen their squads and address any weaknesses that could affect their performance in various competitions. Recruiting prominent local talents from other clubs is a key strategy for these top teams to ensure squad depth and long-term competitiveness.

The importance and impact of the potential deal

From Al-Hilal's perspective, the interest in Saeed Baatia reflects the desire of the coaching staff, led by Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, to find a replacement or strong competitor for international player Saud Abdulhamid at right-back. With Al-Hilal facing fierce competition domestically in the Saudi Professional League and the King's Cup, in addition to the continental challenge of the AFC Champions League, having high-quality players in every position becomes essential for implementing a rotation policy and avoiding fatigue and injuries. Baatia is distinguished by his solid defensive capabilities and effective attacking support, making him an ideal option for a team of Al-Hilal's stature.

Al-Fateh club's stance and the player's importance

On the other hand, Saeed Baatia is a cornerstone of Al-Fateh's "model" squad and is considered one of the league's most prominent players in his position. Therefore, losing him mid-season would be a significant blow to the team, which is striving for a high ranking in the standings. While Al-Fateh's management denies any interest in the player and insists on maintaining the team's stability and core structure, the lucrative offers from major clubs could shift the balance at any moment, leaving the door open for speculation until the transfer window closes.

Al-Ettifaq is preparing for a tough match against Al-Ahli in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League. However, the team enters the game with several key players absent, which could present coach Saad Al-Shehri with a tactical dilemma. The match is scheduled to take place at Al-Inma Stadium, where Al-Ettifaq will be looking to continue their recent resurgence and secure a positive result against one of their main rivals for the top spots.

The list of confirmed absentees for Al-Ettifaq includes four players, most notably Egyptian striker Ahmed Hassan Kouka, Spanish midfield maestro Álvaro Medrán, and defender Francisco Duda, all sidelined with various injuries sustained recently. They are joined by Matija Glušević, who is still not fully fit, representing a significant blow to the coaching staff's options across all positions.

General context and importance of the match

This match comes at a time when the Saudi Professional League is experiencing unprecedented media and fan interest, thanks to attracting a host of international football stars. Matches between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ahli are historically fiercely competitive, with each team representing a football powerhouse in its region. Al-Ahli is one of Jeddah's giants, while Al-Ettifaq is one of the most prominent clubs in the Eastern Province. Al-Ettifaq, under the interim leadership of Saad Al-Shehri, aims to prove its ability to compete strongly and achieve technical stability after a period of inconsistent results, especially following its valuable 2-1 victory over Al-Kholoud in the last round.

Expected impact of absences on the team

The absence of this quartet is expected to have a direct impact on Al-Ettifaq's performance. Losing Álvaro Medrán deprives the team of a player with exceptional vision in playmaking and linking the midfield and attack. Furthermore, the absence of Koka reduces their attacking effectiveness inside the penalty area. These absences will force coach Saad Al-Shehri to reshuffle his cards and search for replacements capable of compensating for these deficiencies. This will be a true test of the team's bench depth and its ability to adapt to difficult circumstances against a strong opponent like Al-Ahli, which boasts stars like Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.