Al-Hilal are approaching a major decision over the future of captain Salem Al-Dawsari, with the Saudi Arabia international expected to enter the final stage of his contract in January. His current agreement is due to end in June 2027, leaving the club to consider whether to offer one of its most influential players a new deal despite growing concerns over his fitness.
The issue is more complicated than a routine contract renewal. Al-Dawsari remains one of Al-Hilal’s most important figures, both for his contribution on the pitch and his status within the club, but the frequency of his recent injuries has raised questions about how consistently he can continue to perform.
January could shape Al-Dawsari’s future
From January, Al-Dawsari will be able to negotiate with other clubs without requiring Al-Hilal’s permission, with his contract approaching its expiry at the end of the season. That puts pressure on the club’s management to decide whether to begin renewal talks soon or wait until the end of the campaign, when his physical condition and performances can be assessed more fully.
The decision is particularly significant because Al-Hilal are not dealing with an ordinary squad player. Al-Dawsari is the club’s captain and has been one of its leading figures for several years. However, his standing at the club does not remove the need to examine his future sporting and physical condition, especially as any new contract would cover an advanced stage of his career.
Injury problems add to uncertainty
The 2026-27 season has been difficult for Al-Dawsari. He missed the start of the campaign because of injury and has made only three appearances so far. Although he recently returned to contention, another muscle injury has ruled him out once again.
Those repeated absences have left Al-Hilal assessing whether the 34-year-old can maintain his fitness throughout a full season. The club must also determine whether it can rely on him regularly in the period ahead, rather than only during intermittent spells of availability.
That consideration could directly affect the value of a new contract. Al-Hilal need to ensure their players can contribute across the season, and not only in short periods between injuries.
Nevertheless, Al-Dawsari’s record makes the possibility of allowing him to leave a difficult one. He has been a key attacking outlet for Al-Hilal over many years, while his experience, influence in important matches and leadership in the dressing room have strengthened his importance to the team.
The club now faces a choice between retaining one of its defining figures and avoiding the risk of further disruption caused by injuries. Its decision in the coming months will determine whether Al-Dawsari is given a new contract or whether his relationship with Al-Hilal ends in June 2027, opening the way for a new phase in the club’s development.
