Bono and Benzema among four big selection calls facing Al Hilal before new season

Al Hilal are heading into a decisive phase of their pre-season with four unresolved issues involving key stars Yassine Bounou, Karim Benzema and captain Salem Al-Dawsari posing major selection and squad-planning questions for new coach Simone Inzaghi.

With the Saudi Pro League campaign approaching, the club’s hierarchy is active in the transfer market while Inzaghi looks to reshape a side expected to challenge domestically and in Asia. However, several important files remain open, and how they are resolved could determine whether Al Hilal enjoy a smooth season or one beset by tension.

Uncertainty over Bounou’s status

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been one of Al Hilal’s most reliable performers in recent seasons, but his future has become a central talking point after his name was recently linked with several offers from abroad.

According to local reports, Al Hilal are weighing up whether to remove Bounou from their domestic squad list and use him only in the AFC elite competition, or to sanction a permanent transfer in order to free up a valuable foreign-player slot for another signing.

The decision is regarded internally as critical: Bounou’s influence and experience are significant, yet the club must also balance its foreign quota with Inzaghi’s tactical requirements and the push to strengthen other positions.

Right-back slot causes growing concern

Right-back is currently viewed as the most problematic position in the squad, with reports indicating that Portugal international Joao Cancelo is close to leaving the club.

Despite that, Al Hilal’s management have not yet been seen moving decisively for a clear replacement, raising questions among supporters and observers. The concern is heightened by Inzaghi’s preferred style of play, which relies heavily on adventurous full-backs to provide width and penetration in the final third.

Any delay in resolving this issue risks creating an immediate tactical headache for the Italian, as Hamad Al-Yami is the only recognised right-back available at present. Going into the new season with such limited depth in a key position would leave the coach with few options if injuries or loss of form occur.

Benzema’s role under review

The situation of French striker Karim Benzema remains open amid ongoing discussion about Al Hilal’s plans to recruit a new centre-forward to lead the attack.

Multiple reports suggest the board are studying more than one scenario. One option would be to remove Benzema from the domestic registration list and keep him only for Asian competition. Another possibility would be for both parties to agree an outright separation if Al Hilal succeed in securing a marquee striker of global stature.

Although Benzema brings vast experience and pedigree, his future at the club is now closely tied to Inzaghi’s technical vision and the board’s strategy for the next phase of the project. How the club chooses to integrate or move on from the former Real Madrid forward will be a significant marker of that new direction.

Al-Dawsari faces pivotal career decision

The case of Salem Al-Dawsari is arguably the most sensitive for Al Hilal supporters. The club captain is keen to end his career wearing the shirt of the team where he has built his reputation and achieved his greatest successes.

At the same time, Al-Dawsari does not want to be reduced to a peripheral role, especially as Al Hilal edge closer to signing a high-profile winger. The club has recently stepped up its efforts to bring in Crysencio Summerville, while Al Hilal have also been linked with Ousmane Dembele.

Should a new winger arrive, Al-Dawsari may be forced into a pivotal choice: accept a reduced role within the squad, or seek a new challenge elsewhere that guarantees him regular starts. For a player of his status and connection with the fanbase, either path would carry significant emotional and sporting consequences.

As Inzaghi and the Al Hilal board work through these four intertwined issues in the coming weeks, the resolution of each will shape not only the team’s line-up sheets, but also the mood surrounding one of Saudi Arabia’s most high-profile clubs heading into the new season.