In a notable development for Al Hilal, coach Jorge Jesus saw his spirits lift following a challenging pre-season match against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns.
Jorge Jesus, the coach of Al Hilal, left yesterday's preparation match against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in a bad mood, but his spirits quickly changed with the news about the club's interest in Vítor Roque.
According to the Saudi newspaper "Al Arriyadiyah," Barcelona responded positively to the offer for the Brazilian striker, giving the green light for his transfer to Saudi football. The deal could be worth around 61 million euros (30 million euros fixed plus 31 million euros in variables), but it still requires convincing the player, who would prefer to continue playing in European football.
Vítor Roque, a highly touted talent, has been on the radar of several top European clubs, making Al Hilal's interest a significant development. Barcelona's acceptance of the offer suggests that they are open to letting go of the young forward, potentially to balance their finances or reshape their squad strategy. However, the player's own ambitions to remain in Europe might be a stumbling block in finalizing the transfer.
At the Saudi club, Vítor Roque would face stiff competition from Aleksandar Mitrović, the prolific Serbian striker who had an outstanding previous season, scoring 40 goals and providing seven assists in 43 matches. Mitrović's presence underscores the high level of competition within Al Hilal, making it a challenging but potentially rewarding environment for any new arrival.
Yesterday, in the match against Mamelodi Sundowns, Mitrović started and scored the only goal for Al Hilal, highlighting his critical role in the team. The offensive lineup also featured Michael and Milinković-Savić, indicating a strong attacking unit that any new player would need to integrate into seamlessly.
Additionally, Portuguese player Rúben Neves is set to join the training sessions today after a period of vacation. Neves's return is expected to bolster the midfield and provide further options for Jorge Jesus as the team continues its pre-season preparations.
The upcoming season looks promising for Al Hilal, with high expectations from both fans and management. The potential acquisition of Vítor Roque could add another dynamic element to their squad, provided they can persuade him to make the move to Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the team's existing talents and new additions like Rúben Neves will be crucial in their quest for domestic and continental success.
