Al Hilal appear close to ending their summer transfer window without fulfilling one of manager Simone Inzaghi’s key requests, after a proposed move for a foreign right winger became entangled in complex financial and sporting difficulties.
The Saudi club’s plans to strengthen the right side of their attack have so far failed to produce the addition sought by the Italian coach. As a result, a signing that had been viewed as an important part of Inzaghi’s squad-building project now appears likely to be postponed until at least the winter transfer window.
Al Hilal have already addressed the left flank by completing the signing of Netherlands international Crysencio Summerville. However, Inzaghi also wanted to reinforce the opposite side with an overseas winger who could provide the team with further attacking options in the final third.
That second move has not materialised, leaving the coach without one of the principal additions he hoped to make during the current market. The obstacles surrounding the deal have been both financial and technical, making progress increasingly difficult as the summer window approaches its conclusion.
Inzaghi’s plan was to give Al Hilal greater balance and variety in wide areas. The arrival of Summerville strengthened the left side, but the intended right-wing recruitment was designed to complete the attacking project by offering another option in advanced positions.
For now, however, the club’s efforts appear to have reached an impasse. The difficulties involved in securing the player required by the manager mean Al Hilal may have to continue with their existing options on the right rather than completing the overhaul envisioned by Inzaghi.
The situation represents a significant setback for the Italian’s transfer plans. Although Al Hilal have made progress in one wide position, the failure to add a foreign right winger means the squad may not be shaped exactly as the manager wanted before the summer market closes.
The possibility of revisiting the position in winter remains open. A move at that stage would allow Al Hilal to delay the search rather than abandon it altogether, but it would also mean Inzaghi must begin the campaign without the attacking reinforcement he had identified as a priority.
For the moment, the expected signing remains an unfulfilled ambition. Al Hilal’s recruitment of Summerville has addressed one part of the manager’s demands, yet the financial and sporting complications surrounding the right-wing position have left the wider plan incomplete.
