Abderrazak Hamdallah’s surprise transfer to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal was officially confirmed on Wednesday, just days before the club’s crucial FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final showdown against Brazil’s Fluminense.
The Moroccan international, renowned for his clinical finishing and impressive goal tally, expressed his enthusiasm about joining one of the Kingdom’s most successful clubs.
“I am very happy to join Al-Hilal, a great team that perfectly represents the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I will do my best and try to bring as much as possible to the team to go as far as possible in this tournament,” Hamdallah said following the announcement.
The striker arrives at Al-Hilal at a pivotal moment. With key forwards Salem Al-Dawsari and Aleksandar Mitrović ruled out due to injury, Hamdallah could be called upon to lead the line when the Saudi champions face Fluminense on Friday in Orlando, USA.
Hamdallah’s recent transfer had not been without drama. Initially linked with a move to Wydad Casablanca ahead of the Club World Cup, the deal fell through.
Nonetheless, the 33-year-old forward was already in the United States at the time, enjoying the latter part of his vacation—an unexpected convenience that allowed Al-Hilal to expedite his registration for the tournament.
Given the absence of Al-Hilal’s attacking duo and Hamdallah’s immediate availability, the question now turns to whether he will be named in the starting XI against the reigning Copa Libertadores champions. Although his current match fitness remains a subject of consideration, his recent form speaks volumes.
Prior to the transfer, Hamdallah enjoyed a prolific season with Al-Shabab, where he delivered 28 goal involvements across all competitions—scoring 24 goals and supplying four assists.
Such figures underline his enduring ability to perform at the highest level and could make him an indispensable asset for Al-Hilal’s campaign in the United States.
The Riyadh-based club, boasting a rich history in domestic and regional competition, is aiming to make a deep run in this year’s Club World Cup.
Reinforcements like Hamdallah, particularly in the absence of some of their most influential players, could be crucial to keeping those ambitions alive.
Al-Hilal’s coaching staff now face a decision: gamble on Hamdallah’s experience and instinct by starting him in Friday’s match, or ease him into the squad from the bench to manage his workload after a whirlwind transfer. Either way, his inclusion adds a layer of intrigue to a high-stakes encounter.
With just hours remaining before kickoff, the Moroccan striker is poised to play a central role in Al-Hilal’s pursuit of global glory.
Whether he starts or not, all eyes will be on Abderrazak Hamdallah as he prepares to make his debut in blue under the bright lights of the Club World Cup stage.
