Hilal face surprise transfer battle with Qadsiah over right-back Mohamad Mahzari

Qadsiah have stepped in late to challenge Al Hilal for the signing of highly rated Saudi right-back Mohamad Mahzari, threatening to derail what was expected to be the Riyadh giants’ sixth deal of the summer window.

The Dammam club are now in advanced negotiations with Al Taawoun over the defender, according to Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan, placing them in pole position for a player long targeted by Hilal.

Hilal’s sixth summer target under threat

Hilal had already completed five summer signings, bringing in goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, defender Sabri Dahil, midfielder Nawaf Al-Habshi, midfielder Abdullah Al-Enezi and right-back Mohammed Al-Sarnoukh.

Reports in recent weeks indicated that “Al-Zaeem” were aiming to add a sixth Saudi player to that list in the form of Al Taawoun’s Mahzari, to further strengthen their domestic core in defence.

However, Al-Ajlan reported that the Riyadh club may now miss out after Qadsiah opened serious talks with Al Taawoun and moved ahead in negotiations for the 24-year-old.

Dispute over valuation stalls Hilal

Local media had earlier highlighted tensions between Hilal and Al Taawoun regarding Mahzari’s potential transfer, with the two clubs reportedly far apart on the financial terms.

Al Taawoun were said to be holding out for a higher fee, a stance that has complicated Hilal’s pursuit and created an opening for Qadsiah to intervene.

The situation is further shaped by the fact Hilal have already recruited a new right-back this window, signing Mohammed Al-Sarnoukh from Al Fateh, which may have reduced their urgency to meet Al Taawoun’s demands.

Rising defender with international recognition

Mahzari is regarded as one of the more promising full-backs in Saudi football.

His progress was underlined in March when he received a call-up to the senior Saudi Arabia national team for a friendly against Serbia. Although he featured in that squad, he did not make the final Green Falcons list for the 2026 World Cup.

At club level, the defender enjoyed a busy campaign last season. Mahzari made 35 appearances for Al Taawoun across the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup, contributing one goal and two assists from right-back.

Strategic move for ambitious Qadsiah

For Qadsiah, securing Mahzari would represent a significant statement as they seek to build a stronger squad and close the gap with the league’s traditional powerhouses.

The club’s push into “advanced negotiations” suggests they are prepared to move quickly to meet Al Taawoun’s conditions, capitalising on the stalemate involving Hilal.

Should Qadsiah complete the deal, it would not only reinforce their defence with a player of national-team calibre, but also mark a rare instance of a leading Hilal target slipping away to a domestic rival amid Saudi clubs’ increasingly competitive transfer market.

Hilal, meanwhile, may be forced either to revive talks on new terms or look elsewhere, having already added substantial depth to their squad but still seeing Mahzari as a desirable option for the right flank.