Saudi Pro League (RSL) heavyweights Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are both owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund. However, this doesn’t affect the fierce rivalry between the followers of the two clubs.
While Jeddah-based Al-Ittihad lifted the league title, Riyadh’s Al-Hilal will be the only Saudi team heading to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Ahead of the much-awaited tournament, Al-Hilal aimed to further bolster their squad by pursuing N’Golo Kante from their rivals. The tireless central defensive midfielder brings vast experience, having played elite football for both club and country. Kante won the FIFA World Cup with France and the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea before arriving on Saudi shores.
Al-Hilal is reportedly close to signing Kante on a short-term deal, with the Club World Cup in mind. The 34-year-old could return to Jeddah once the deal expires and resume his journey with Al-Ittihad for the 2025/26 season. Kante was reportedly impressed by the offer and had agreed to personal terms with Simone Inzaghi’s team, TalkSport reported. Negotiations were progressing between the two Saudi powerhouses ahead of the transfer window’s closure when a new issue arose – fan outrage.
Al-Hilal retained over £500 million to spend this summer, with Mohamed Salah being the primary target. Now that it is confirmed the Egyptian winger will not be leaving Liverpool, the club is free to spend the enormous amount elsewhere. Al-Hilal is already home to Kanté’s former Chelsea teammate Kalidou Koulibaly, which may have also influenced his willingness to join, aside from the lucrative offer.
However, fans may not welcome him joining their direct rivals, which could force the Frenchman to reconsider. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly received a similar short-term offer from Al-Hilal, TalkSport said. However, the Portugal captain turned it down, as he didn’t want to antagonise Al-Nassr fans, given Al-Hilal’s rivalry with his current team is even more intense than that with Al-Ittihad.
Al-Hilal will begin their Club World Cup campaign against the mighty Real Madrid in Miami on June 18.