Abdullah Al-Salem targets Al Qadsiah trophies as Al Hilal weigh Saudi striker options

Abdullah Al-Salem has played down speculation linking him with a move to Al Hilal, saying his focus is on winning a trophy with Al Qadsiah during the coming season.

The 33-year-old forward was asked about the possibility of joining Al Hilal in the current summer transfer window, with the Saudi club understood to be looking for a new Saudi striker.

Al-Salem previously represented Al Nassr, Al Hilal’s traditional rivals, during a loan spell in the second half of the 2018-19 season. However, he said he was currently fully committed to Al Qadsiah.

“I wear the Al Qadsiah badge, I belong to this club at the moment, I am very comfortable here and I love serving it,” Al-Salem told Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum.

“I know nothing about this matter [a move to Al Hilal]. My ambition this season is to win a trophy with Al Qadsiah.”

Al-Salem joined Al Qadsiah during last summer’s transfer window after a lengthy career in Saudi football, which included his temporary move to Al Nassr.

His opportunities have been limited at Al Qadsiah, with manager Brendan Rodgers favouring Italy international striker Mateo Retegui and Mexico forward Julian Quinones.

Despite his reduced playing time, Al-Salem is preparing for a demanding campaign with Al Qadsiah, who are due to compete in four competitions next season. Those tournaments are the Roshn Saudi League, the King’s Cup, the Saudi Super Cup and the AFC Champions League Elite.

Al Hilal’s search for a Saudi forward comes after the departures of Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Abdullah Radif. Al-Hamdan moved to Al Nassr during the previous winter transfer window, while Al-Radif has joined Al Ahli in the current summer market.

The club are therefore assessing their options for an additional domestic attacking player, but Al-Salem’s comments indicate that he is not aware of any move being discussed involving him.

Al Qadsiah will enter the new season with ambitions across domestic and continental competitions, while Al-Salem will hope to play a larger role under Rodgers despite the competition from Retegui and Quinones. His immediate stated objective, however, is to help Al Qadsiah secure silverware rather than consider a switch to Al Hilal.