Al Hilal Set to Part Ways with Malcom as Osimhen Emerges as Top Summer Target

Following their quarter-final exit at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Al Hilal are preparing for major changes in attack. According to multiple Saudi and European sources, the Riyadh-based club are close to terminating Brazilian forward Malcom's contract while actively pursuing Napoli and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Should that pursuit fall short, Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović is being lined up as the contingency plan.

Malcom on the Verge of Exit After Tense Months

Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat reports that both Al Hilal and Malcom are keen to part ways, with mutual termination of the player’s contract likely to be finalised soon. The relationship between club and player reportedly deteriorated both on and off the pitch, culminating in a heated exchange between Malcom and fans after Al Hilal’s 2-1 defeat to Fluminense in the Club World Cup quarter-final.

The 27-year-old former Barcelona and Zenit forward struggled to fully settle in Riyadh and, despite flashes of brilliance, never established himself as a consistent starter. With the arrival of Simone Inzaghi as head coach, the club is looking to reshuffle its foreign quota—with Malcom now seen as expendable.

Al Hilal Reignite Talks with Osimhen

In a high-profile development, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed that Al Hilal have reopened negotiations with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. The club have reportedly tabled a four-year deal worth $40 million per season in a bid to lure the Galatasaray frontman back to the Gulf, after a previous stint in Naples.

French outlet L'Équipe further confirmed that Osimhen is Hilal’s primary attacking target this summer, and a direct meeting with the player is expected in the coming days. Although Osimhen has impressed in Turkey, guiding Galatasaray to a Europa League quarter-final, his positional versatility and injury record remain points of consideration for the Saudi Pro League side.

At 26, Osimhen’s profile fits Al Hilal’s desire for a marquee striker with pace, power, and a proven European pedigree. His signing would also fill the void left by Aleksandar Mitrović, who missed the Club World Cup through injury.

Vlahović and En-Nesyri as Backup Options

Should talks with Osimhen collapse, Al Hilal are ready to shift focus to Dušan Vlahović. The Serbian international has scored 58 goals in 145 appearances for Juventus but could be on the move as the Bianconeri seek to rebuild their attack following their own Club World Cup disappointment.

Vlahović’s contract runs until 2026, but Juventus—now boasting new signing Jonathan David—may be open to a sale for the right fee.

Also on the club’s radar is Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who enjoyed a prolific spell with Fenerbahçe last season. His European experience and aerial prowess make him a viable option should Hilal fail to land their top targets.

Inzaghi’s Vision and Pressure to Rebuild

Head coach Simone Inzaghi, who took charge after a successful tenure at Inter Milan, is overseeing a rebuild aimed at reclaiming both domestic dominance and continental success. “I’m satisfied with the current squad,” he noted, “but ambition demands that we continue to seek improvements across all areas.”

Al Hilal’s urgency in the market reflects a larger desire to avoid stagnation after falling short in key international fixtures. The loss to Fluminense was a stark reminder that further quality and depth are needed to compete at the highest level.

Conclusion

With Malcom’s departure all but sealed, Al Hilal’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen signals their intent to make another blockbuster addition. Whether they succeed in bringing the Nigerian striker to Riyadh or pivot to Vlahović or En-Nesyri, one thing is clear: the Saudi giants are not standing still this summer.

Their ambition remains unrelenting—and their eyes are firmly set on global titles.