Al Hilal face key decision over captain Salem Al-Dawsari’s future

Al Hilal are approaching a crucial decision over the future of captain Salem Al-Dawsari, whose contract is set to enter its final phase in January before his current agreement expires in June 2027.

The Saudi club must now weigh the value of retaining one of its most important figures against growing concerns about the 34-year-old’s fitness and ability to maintain his level throughout the season.

From January, Al-Dawsari will be able to negotiate with other clubs without Al Hilal’s permission, placing pressure on the club’s management to establish its position. It could begin renewal talks early or wait until the end of the season before making a decision based on a clearer assessment of his condition and performances.

The issue is more significant than a routine contract negotiation. Al-Dawsari is the club’s captain and one of its leading symbols in recent years, but his status does not remove the need for Al Hilal to examine his future from both a sporting and physical perspective.

Any new agreement would cover an advanced stage of the winger’s career, making his availability an important consideration for the club.

Injuries increase uncertainty

The current campaign has been difficult for Al-Dawsari. He missed the start of the season because of injury and has played only 3 matches. Although he had recently returned to contention, another muscular injury has ruled him out once again.

Those repeated absences have raised questions over whether he can remain fit across an entire season and whether Al Hilal can rely on him consistently in the coming period.

The club’s assessment is likely to focus not only on his ability when available, but also on whether a new contract would provide regular value over the course of the campaign. Al Hilal need to ensure their players can contribute consistently rather than only in periods interrupted by injury.

At the same time, Al-Dawsari’s achievements and experience make the prospect of letting him leave a difficult one. He has been one of Al Hilal’s main attacking outlets for years, with an influence in important matches and a significant leadership role within the dressing room.

His technical contribution and standing at the club therefore remain central to the debate over his next contract.

Al Hilal are now balancing the desire to keep one of their established leaders with the risk that his injury problems could continue. The club’s decision in the months ahead will determine whether it backs Al-Dawsari to regain full fitness and offers him a new deal, or ends the relationship at the conclusion of the season and begins a new chapter.

The situation was reported on 7 November 2026.