Al-Diriyah turn to Al Hilal youngster after Malcom transfer collapses

Al-Diriyah have completed the signing of Al Hilal winger Abdullah Al-Zaid during the current summer transfer window, after Brazilian wide player Malcom rejected a move to the Saudi club.

Malcom reportedly chose to remain with Al Hilal despite an agreement being reached between the two clubs over a potential transfer to Al-Diriyah. Reports had suggested the Brazilian would leave the Riyadh club to join their Saudi Pro League counterparts, but he ultimately decided against the move.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Jazirah, Al-Diriyah have now secured the services of Al Hilal’s young winger Al-Zaid, who has already signed his transfer contract.

The 22-year-old made a strong impression with Al Hilal Under-21s during last season’s Jooy Elite League campaign. Although primarily used on the left wing, Al-Zaid can also operate on the right or play as an attacking midfielder.

His performances earned recognition from Al Hilal’s first-team manager, Simone Inzaghi. The Italian included Al-Zaid in the senior squad’s overseas training camp in Austria ahead of the new season.

Al-Zaid becomes the latest addition to an ambitious Al-Diriyah squad during the summer transfer window. The club have already brought in several notable players, with Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye their most recent signing.

Gueye joined Al-Diriyah after his contract with Everton expired, adding further experience to the Saudi club’s recruitment drive.

The move for Al-Zaid allows Al-Diriyah to strengthen their wide options after their proposed deal for Malcom failed to go through. While the clubs had reportedly agreed terms, Malcom’s decision to stay at Al Hilal prevented the transfer from being completed.

Al-Zaid’s arrival also represents another step in his progression after his emergence at youth level last season. His ability to play in several attacking positions was highlighted by his inclusion in Inzaghi’s pre-season plans, before he completed his move to Al-Diriyah.

The transfer is the latest example of Al-Diriyah pursuing players from established Saudi clubs while continuing to add experienced names from abroad. The club’s recruitment has included both the promising Al-Zaid and Gueye, who arrived following his departure from Everton.