Al Hilals Malcom caught between public denial and Inzaghis rebuild

Malcom Filipe’s future at Al Hilal has become uncertain after manager Simone Inzaghi reportedly told the club’s board that he does not want the Brazilian winger to remain at the club next season.

According to sources cited by Saudi newspaper Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, Inzaghi has asked Al Hilal to find a buyer for Malcom before the summer transfer window closes. The Italian coach is understood to be seeking a new wide player with different technical characteristics as he reshapes the squad.

The development comes despite Malcom recently dismissing reports that he was preparing to leave Al Hilal. The player had insisted that he remained committed to his contract and wanted to continue his career with the Saudi club.

That public statement has added to the uncertainty surrounding the Brazil international, particularly after reports in recent days claimed Al Hilal had reached an agreement with Al-Diriyah over a possible transfer.

Malcom responded directly to one social media post discussing the speculation on X, rejecting the reports in blunt terms. He wrote: “Fake news.. you are idiots”.

The winger’s intervention appeared to provide a clear denial of the stories linking him with Al-Diriyah. However, the report about Inzaghi’s position has reopened questions over whether Malcom will remain part of Al Hilal’s plans for the new season.

The club is planning further additions during the current summer transfer window and is seeking more than one signing to strengthen the squad. Those recruitment plans are being shaped by the changes taking place at Al Hilal as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign.

Inzaghi’s reported request means the Malcom issue could be settled in the coming hours, with the club expected to decide whether to continue exploring a move for the winger before the transfer deadline.

The Brazilian’s possible departure had already become a subject of growing discussion because of the wider changes at Al Hilal. Reports of a proposed move to Al-Diriyah had intensified before Malcom chose to answer the claims himself.

His comments therefore conflicted with the latest information attributed to sources close to the club. While Malcom has publicly said he wants to stay and fulfil his contract, Inzaghi is reportedly pushing Al Hilal to market the player and bring in a replacement who offers a different profile on the wing.

The situation leaves Malcom facing an uncertain period at the club, with his own stated intentions now at odds with the manager’s reported plans for Al Hilal’s next squad.