Malcom urged to stay at Al Hilal as Sami Al-Jaber highlights risk of losing Brazilian winger

Malcom has received strong backing from Al Hilal legend Sami Al-Jaber as speculation over the Brazilian winger’s future at the Saudi club continues.

Malcom has been linked with a move away from Al Hilal to Al Diriyah, but he refused to acknowledge the reports after Friday’s match against Al Faisaliah in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League. The winger reacted angrily when questioned by the media, publicly rejecting the rumours surrounding his position at the club.

His response came as uncertainty over his future remains a major talking point. While the reports have connected him with Al Diriyah, Malcom did not confirm that he was considering a departure from Al Hilal.

Al-Jaber, one of the most significant figures in Al Hilal’s history, has now defended the player and argued that the club could suffer heavily if Malcom leaves.

Speaking on the television programme “Nadena”, Al-Jaber said: “Malcom’s position is natural, because he is going through a difficult period as his future is unknown.”

The former Al Hilal captain said the uncertainty surrounding Malcom explained the player’s frustration when facing questions about his next move. Rather than criticising the winger’s reaction, Al-Jaber described it as understandable given the lack of clarity over what lies ahead.

He also stressed the Brazilian’s value to Al Hilal, saying: “Malcom’s departure from Al Hilal would cause a major loss for the leader in my view. He is a good player and possesses solutions even in his worst moments.”

Al-Jaber’s comments amount to a clear message to the club’s management as it considers Malcom’s future. He believes the winger remains capable of producing important contributions even when he is not at his best, and that replacing him would not automatically strengthen the squad.

The Al Hilal legend added: “If Malcom is let go, Al Hilal’s management must bring in a signing better than him, not one at his level. If the next player is at the same level, Malcom should remain because he knows us and we know him.”

The remarks place the emphasis on the quality of any potential replacement rather than simply filling Malcom’s position. Al-Jaber’s view is that Al Hilal should keep the Brazilian if it cannot recruit a player who would represent a clear improvement.

For now, Malcom’s future remains surrounded by reports of a possible move to Al Diriyah, while the player himself has declined to accept those claims publicly. His reaction after the Al Faisaliah match and Al-Jaber’s subsequent defence have ensured that the debate over the winger’s role at Al Hilal remains unresolved.