In a decisive and swift move to reorganize the first football team, Al-Ittihad club officials succeeded in concluding three high-caliber foreign deals during the current winter transfer window, in a move aimed at restructuring the team's roster after the confirmed departure of two of its most prominent stars, Frenchman N'Golo Kante and his compatriot Karim Benzema.

Informed sources within Al-Ittihad confirmed that the club has officially finalized the signing of Moroccan international striker Youssef En-Nesyri from Turkish side Fenerbahçe, in a swap deal that saw N'Golo Kanté move to the Turkish club. Al-Ittihad's reinforcements didn't stop there, as the club also secured the services of young talent George Ilyinikina from French club Monaco, in addition to signing Gustavo Sá, to inject new blood into the team and compensate for key absences.

These radical changes to the team's map come after the departure of the two veteran French players; N'Golo Kante left for the Turkish league via Fenerbahce, while star Karim Benzema made a major surprise move to the traditional rival and direct competitor, Al-Hilal, in a deal that will cast a shadow on the balance of power in the Roshan Professional League.

These moves carry significant implications regarding Al-Ittihad's strategy for the upcoming phase, as the club seeks to maintain its achievements and compete strongly for domestic and continental titles. Replacing players of the caliber of Benzema and Kanté is a major challenge, but the acquisition of promising names like Ilyinkina and Sa, alongside En-Nesyri's goal-scoring experience, reflects the management's desire to build a team that combines youthful energy with veteran experience, ensuring sustained competitiveness amidst the tremendous development of Saudi football.

On the field, Saudi football fans eagerly await the debut of these new players, as Al-Ittihad prepares for a highly anticipated and fiery encounter against Al-Nassr in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. The match, scheduled for Friday evening, will be a true test of the new additions' integration into the Tigers' squad, especially given the fierce competition and intense fan turnout that characterize this classic derby.

The board of directors of Al-Hilal Saudi Club, headed by Fahad bin Nafel, announced the completion of the official signing of young French player Simon Bouabre from NEOM FC, as part of their efforts to strengthen the first football team during the current winter transfer window. This deal confirms Al-Hilal's ongoing pursuit of top international talent to ensure their continued dominance in domestic and continental championships.

A promising journey from Monaco to Saudi stadiums

Simon Bouabre, 19, is considered one of the most promising football talents to emerge from French football in recent years. He began his career at the AS Monaco academy, one of the most prestigious in Europe and a breeding ground for international stars. Bouabre's previous move to NEOM was a significant step, and now, with his transfer to Al-Hilal, he begins a new chapter in his professional career with one of the biggest clubs in Asia.

He shone brightly in the Youth World Cup

Al-Hilal's interest in the player was not without reason, but rather the result of close monitoring of his technical and physical abilities. Bouabre shone brightly with the French under-20 national team during the World Cup held in Chile. He played a pivotal and decisive role in leading the young "Les Bleus" to the semi-finals of the tournament, demonstrating tactical maturity and high individual skills that attracted the attention of numerous scouts and clubs, before Al-Hilal successfully secured his services.

Strengthening Al Hilal's strategy for the future

The signing of Bouabre is part of Al-Hilal's long-term strategy, which not only focuses on acquiring established international stars but also on investing in young talents capable of contributing for many years. The player is expected to be a strong addition to the team's midfield and attack, especially given the numerous competitions Al-Hilal is participating in domestically, in Asia, and internationally. This signing also reflects the purchasing power and growing appeal of Saudi clubs, and their ability to attract young European talent.

The official Al-Hilal club account on social media platforms celebrated the deal, posting a welcoming picture of the player under the title: "The French talent Bouabre in the ranks of the leader," amid great interaction from Al-Hilal fans who are waiting for the young star's first appearance in the blue jersey.

In a remarkable development within the Saudi Professional League, Al-Hilal's coach, Simone Inzaghi, made his first official statement regarding the news that confirmed the club's board had completed the signing of French star Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad during the current winter transfer window to strengthen the team for the remainder of the season.

Inzaghi's remarks came during the pre-match press conference, where the coach attempted to maintain the team's focus and avoid discussing administrative details before the club's official announcement. Responding to repeated questions from journalists about the transfer, Inzaghi diplomatically stated, "I haven't received anything official regarding the transfer yet. I repeat, tomorrow, after the transfer window closes, I will begin to speak clearly about everything.".

Despite the Italian coach's reservations, sources close to Al-Hilal have settled the debate, confirming that Al-Hilal officials have indeed finalized the transfer of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad, with a contract extending for a season and a half, i.e. until the end of the current season with the addition of another season, after reaching a final agreement on all the financial and contractual details of the deal during intensive negotiations in the past period.

This deal holds immense strategic importance, not only for Al-Hilal but for the Saudi league as a whole. The transfer of a player of Karim Benzema's stature—a Ballon d'Or winner and one of the most prolific goalscorers in football history—between two giants like Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal is an exceptional event, reflecting the intense competition within the league. This move will bolster the attacking prowess of the Riyadh-based club, which aims to secure domestic and continental titles, benefiting from the French striker's vast experience in high-stakes matches.

Sports analysts believe that Benzema's arrival at Inzaghi's club will represent a tactical turning point for the team in the second half of the season, as the Roshan League competition demands stamina and multiple attacking options. The winter transfer window is a golden opportunity for clubs to correct their course and address weaknesses, something Al-Hilal's management has done exceptionally well with this high-profile signing that has captivated the sporting public.

According to the technical plans in place, Karim Benzema is scheduled to join Al-Hilal's group training sessions as soon as the routine procedures are completed, in order to get into the team's atmosphere and prepare to participate in the team's upcoming match against Al-Akhdoud in the Roshan Professional League, as Al-Hilal fans eagerly await the first appearance of the international star in their team's jersey.