Al-Hilal line up Al-Ahli’s Firas Al-Buraikan after Gulf 27 goals

Al-Hilal are targeting Al-Ahli striker Firas Al-Buraikan as they continue their efforts to recruit standout members of the Saudi Arabia squad, according to Saudi journalist Abdulaziz Al-Muraisel.

Al-Buraikan is the latest player from the club’s traditional rivals to be linked with a move to Al-Hilal. The 26-year-old impressed for Saudi Arabia during Gulf 27, finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with three goals.

His most important goal came in the final, when Saudi Arabia beat the United Arab Emirates 2-0.

Al-Muraisel also said Al-Hilal remain interested in Hummam Al-Hammami, the Al-Shabab winger who was named the tournament’s best player after his performances for the national team.

“Al-Hilal are working to sign Hummam Al-Hammami and Firas Al-Buraikan, and they will succeed in doing so,” Al-Muraisel said in comments to Nabd Tuwaiq.

He added: “Al-Hilal will tempt Al-Shabab with money to sign Hummam Al-Hammami. As for Firas Al-Buraikan, he will enter the free-agency period, and if Al-Ahli do not sort out the situation, Al-Hilal will sign him for free.”

According to Transfermarkt, Al-Buraikan’s contract with Al-Ahli runs until the end of next season. That means he cannot sign for another club until January 2028, as stated in the report.

Al-Buraikan’s form has also earned him a nomination for the 2026 Asian Player of the Year award. He is competing for the prize with Al-Hilal legend Salem Al-Dawsari.

The latest claim follows reports that Al-Hilal are also pursuing Al-Hammami, who attracted attention during Gulf 27 and received the individual award for the tournament’s best player.

A move for either player would strengthen Al-Hilal’s Saudi core, while Al-Ahli would face the prospect of losing one of their leading attacking players if Al-Buraikan’s contract situation is not resolved.

The comments were made by Al-Muraisel during the Nabd Tuwaiq programme on 21 October 2026.