Al Hilal weigh 2026 recruitment drive as Vinicius Junior speculation grows

Al Hilal are preparing for a major review of their squad after an underwhelming 2025-26 season, with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior among the high-profile names linked with a possible move to the Saudi club.

Simone Inzaghi’s side failed to win the biggest domestic and continental honours during the campaign, securing only the King’s Cup. They finished behind Al Nassr in the Roshn Saudi League and were eliminated from the AFC Champions League, allowing Al Ahli to go on and claim the title.

The disappointing season has increased the focus on Al Hilal’s plans for the 2026 summer transfer window. The club are understood to be examining a number of potential additions as they seek to build a squad capable of competing for all major trophies.

Vinicius Junior is the most prominent player associated with Al Hilal at this stage. The Brazil international remains a Real Madrid player, but his name has emerged as part of the wider discussion surrounding the Saudi club’s transfer ambitions.

The forward is regarded as one of the leading stars in world football, making his reported connection with Al Hilal one of the most eye-catching elements of the club’s summer planning. However, the information available does not confirm that a deal has been completed or that an official transfer has been announced.

What is known about Al Hilal’s summer plans?

Al Hilal’s recruitment strategy is being considered against the backdrop of a season in which the team fell short in the Roshn Saudi League and AFC Champions League. Winning the King’s Cup provided the club with silverware, but it did not match the level of success expected from one of Saudi Arabia’s leading sides.

The loss of the league title to Al Nassr and the club’s continental exit are central to the pressure for improvement. Al Hilal now want to move towards what has been described as an ideal team, with the summer window offering an opportunity to strengthen the squad and address the shortcomings exposed during the previous campaign.

The club’s plans also include assessing departures as well as possible arrivals. The available report refers to players who could leave Al Hilal, but does not identify any confirmed outgoing transfers or provide a completed list of departures.

Likewise, no completed incoming deals are specified in the information provided. Vinicius Junior is presented as the leading international name linked with the club, while the remaining transfer possibilities are described more broadly as part of Al Hilal’s search for reinforcements.

For now, the clearest picture is of a club planning significant activity rather than one that has already finalised its summer business. Inzaghi’s task will be to turn the disappointment of 2025-26 into a stronger challenge across domestic and continental competitions, with Al Hilal’s recruitment decisions expected to shape the next stage of the project.