Al-Hilal urged to consider Al-Ittihad full-back after standout derby display

Mohammed Al-Deayea has called on Al-Hilal to move for Al-Ittihad right-back Ahmed Al-Jalidan in the next winter transfer window, after being impressed by the defender’s performance in the Jeddah club’s 2-1 victory over Al-Nassr.

Al-Ittihad secured the win in the fifth round of the Roshn Saudi League, with Al-Jalidan among the players to catch the eye during the Saudi football classic. Al-Deayea, a legendary former Al-Hilal goalkeeper, said the right-back stood out for his contribution at both ends of the pitch.

Speaking on the television programme Dawrina Ghair, Al-Deayea said: “I watched many of the players in the Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr classic, but Ahmed Al-Jalidan, Al-Ittihad’s right-back, was the best in my opinion.”

Al-Deayea then made his suggestion with a degree of humour, appearing to turn his praise into a public transfer request to his former club.

“I call on Al-Hilal to sign him during the next transfer window,” he added. “He is a wonderful and well-balanced player defensively and offensively, and I believe he would give us a great deal of strength.”

The former Saudi Arabia international went on to explain why he rated Al-Jalidan so highly, pointing to the difficulty many full-backs have in maintaining a similar level in both defensive and attacking situations.

“Most full-backs produce impressive performances either offensively or defensively,” Al-Deayea said. “When one of them excels in one aspect, he neglects the other, but Al-Jalidan is outstanding in both areas.”

Al-Deayea’s comments came after Al-Ittihad’s victory over Al-Nassr, a result that ended the latest league meeting between the two sides with Al-Ittihad ahead by two goals to one. His recommendation was made during his appearance on Dawrina Ghair and was presented as a call for Al-Hilal to pursue the defender when the winter market opens.

Al-Hilal have already completed a number of high-profile deals from the start of the previous winter transfer period through to the present, but Al-Deayea indicated that he does not believe the club should be satisfied with its existing business.

The remarks have therefore placed Al-Jalidan in the spotlight as a player Al-Deayea believes could strengthen Al-Hilal’s squad. His argument rests on the defender’s balance: rather than being known only for his work in attack or his responsibilities in defence, Al-Deayea considers him effective in both roles.

There was no indication in the comments that Al-Hilal have made an offer for Al-Jalidan, or that Al-Ittihad are willing to let him leave. The remarks were instead framed as Al-Deayea’s personal assessment of the player and his appeal to Al-Hilal ahead of the next winter transfer window.