Inzaghi revolution at Al Hilal puts Karim Benzema and Salem Al-Dawsari futures in doubt

Simone Inzaghi is preparing to reshape Al Hilal’s team around an aggressive, high-tempo style that could leave leading stars Karim Benzema and Salem Al-Dawsari facing uncertain futures at the Saudi champions.

The Italian coach, who has taken charge with a mandate to overhaul the side, is understood to be prioritising players who can execute his tactical ideas – notably pace, intense pressing and rapid attacking transitions – even if that means moving on from some of the club’s biggest names.

Transfer activity already points to a clear shift in direction. Al Hilal are working on a new-look forward line built on speed and work-rate, a blueprint that may come at the expense of Benzema, while the potential arrival of Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville threatens the long-established status of captain Salem Al-Dawsari on the left flank.

Benzema role under scrutiny

The first major sign of change has come at centre-forward, where Al Hilal have entered talks to sign a new foreign striker at a time when Benzema’s future remains unresolved.

According to reports, the club are weighing up several options regarding the Frenchman. One possibility is to register him only for the AFC Champions League Elite, limiting his role largely to continental competition. The more drastic scenario would see his time at the club brought to a complete end if Al Hilal secure a striker more closely aligned with Inzaghi’s preferred style.

Inzaghi is believed to be targeting a forward capable of relentless pressing, intelligent off-the-ball movement and active involvement in fast counter-attacks. These attributes have not been the main strengths of Benzema’s game in recent months, raising further questions over how he fits into the new system.

Summerville pursuit puts pressure on Al-Dawsari

On the left wing, the picture appears even clearer. Al Hilal are close to finalising a deal for Crysencio Summerville, one of the standout wide players in the Premier League last season.

Should the transfer be completed, Summerville would provide immediate, direct competition for Salem Al-Dawsari in his favoured position. For a player who has long been a guaranteed starter and central to Al Hilal’s attacking identity, that scenario could prove difficult to accept.

Given Al-Dawsari’s status and stage of his career, many around the club find it hard to imagine him settling for a place on the bench. If he senses that his starting spot is no longer secure, it could accelerate an unexpected and abrupt conclusion to his long association with Al Hilal.

Right flank reshaped and Dembele targeted

Change is also looming on the right side of attack. Malcom has been heavily linked with a move away, with indications that he no longer features in the coaching staff’s plans under Inzaghi.

At the same time, Al Hilal have opened initial discussions with Paris Saint-Germain to explore a possible deal for France international Ousmane Dembele. If talks progress to an official negotiation and an agreement is reached, the move would rank among the biggest transfers in the history of the Saudi Pro League.

A frontline featuring Dembele on one side and Summerville on the other would give Al Hilal a pair of wingers noted for their pace and ability to break defensive lines. That profile fits neatly with Inzaghi’s concept of quick transitions and direct attacking play.

From possession play to high-intensity transitions

All indications suggest Inzaghi is not merely seeking high-profile signings, but attempting to redefine Al Hilal’s entire on-pitch identity.

A team traditionally built around dominance of possession and individual flair could be transformed into a far more dynamic unit, centred on collective pressing, rapid vertical movement and high speed in the final third.

If these structural changes are completed, Al Hilal’s current summer business will represent far more than just a routine transfer window. It would signal the start of a new era at the club – one that may curtail the roles of established stars such as Benzema and Al-Dawsari, while ushering in a different generation of players tailored to Inzaghi’s vision of competing for every trophy.