Noor: Malcom could answer Al-Ittihad’s needs as Inzaghi style earns praise

Mohamed Noor has urged Al-Hilal to allow Malcom to join Al-Ittihad if the Saudi champions no longer require the Brazilian forward, while saying Simone Inzaghi’s football would be well suited to their rivals.

Malcom’s future at Al-Hilal remains uncertain, with reports suggesting he could leave the club before the summer transfer window closes. No destination has yet been confirmed for the 28-year-old.

Speaking on the MBC programme Nadina on Friday evening, former Al-Ittihad captain Noor said the two clubs should consider a move because both are linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

“If Al-Hilal does not want Malcom to continue, let the player move to Al-Ittihad – the two clubs belong to the fund,” Noor said.

Malcom scored in Al-Hilal’s 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League on Friday. The result gave Al-Hilal a winning start to the new campaign, but the forward’s situation away from the pitch continued to attract attention.

After the match, Malcom appeared frustrated when journalists asked him about reports concerning his future. He made clear that he did not want to discuss the transfer speculation.

“I now represent Al-Hilal, and this is a place to ask about the match,” he said.

The comment was viewed as a clear refusal to engage in further questions about whether he would remain at the club or move elsewhere before the transfer deadline.

Noor also discussed the position of Inzaghi, who was appointed Al-Hilal’s head coach. He said the Italian’s tactical approach could make him a suitable candidate for Al-Ittihad, should the opportunity arise.

“In terms of the style of play, Inzaghi is very suitable to coach Al-Ittihad,” Noor said.

He added: “As I heard, Al-Ittihad would have signed Inzaghi if he had left Al-Hilal this summer.”

Speculation about Inzaghi’s future had grown in the Saudi media during the summer, but Al-Hilal’s management ultimately reaffirmed its confidence in the Italian. He therefore remained in charge and began the season with the Riyadh club.

Al-Ittihad, meanwhile, appointed German coach Jens Wissing. He is scheduled to take charge of the Jeddah side for the first time in the Roshn Saudi League on Saturday, when they face Al-Kholood.

The match will provide Wissing with his first competitive test since taking over at Al-Ittihad, while attention will continue to centre on whether Al-Hilal’s stance on Malcom changes before the transfer window closes.