Ali Al-Bulaihi's future with Al-Hilal after the shin guard crisis | Transfer Market 2024
Awaited return and postponed decision
Saudi football fans are eagerly awaiting the return of international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi to his parent club Al-Hilal after his loan spell with Al-Shabab ends this season. According to informed sources, Al-Bulaihi's return to Al-Hilal is a procedural step, as he is under contract for another season. However, his final destination for next season will be definitively decided during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Speculation suggests that Al-Bulaihi may join Al-Hilal's pre-season training camp, but this does not guarantee his stay, as several clubs in the Saudi Professional League are monitoring his situation in preparation for submitting official offers to negotiate with him, which opens the door to all possibilities, whether staying and competing for a starting position or leaving to embark on a new experience.
Background to the decision: World Cup ambitions and fierce competition
Al-Bulaihi's loan move to Al-Shabab was no accident. With strong defensive options at Al-Hilal, such as Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly and Hassan Tambakti, securing a regular starting position became a significant challenge. Therefore, Al-Bulaihi, known for his strong personality and great ambition, opted for a temporary transfer in search of consistent playing time. His ultimate goal was to boost his chances of remaining in the Saudi national team under Italian coach Roberto Mancini and being included in the final squad for the 2026 World Cup – a dream that fuels his ambition and serves as a primary motivation for his career decisions.
The "shoulder protector" crisis sparks controversy
During his loan spell, Al-Bulaihi's presence was not without the controversy that fans have come to expect. In Al-Shabab's match against Al-Nassr, his goal celebration caused a stir when he kissed his shin guard, which bore his image in his original club Al-Hilal's jersey. Many, especially Al-Shabab fans, considered this gesture provocative and disrespectful to the club he represents, particularly since Al-Shabab lost the match 4-2, further intensifying the criticism directed at him. This incident once again highlighted the player's close ties to Al-Hilal, even while playing for another club.
A formal apology to contain the situation
Following the controversy sparked by his celebration, Ali Al-Bulaihi quickly issued a formal apology to Al-Shabab fans and the club's management, headed by Abdulaziz Al-Malik. In his statement, the player emphasized that his celebration was spontaneous and that he did not intend any offense or belittlement of Al-Shabab, a club he holds in the highest regard. He said, "I offer my apologies to the esteemed Al-Shabab club and its loyal fans… My expression of joy was spontaneous and without any intention of causing offense." This apology helped to calm the situation, but the incident left its mark on the player's relationship with the "White Lion" fans.
Expected impact on the local scene
Al-Bulaihi's upcoming summer transfer decision is of paramount importance domestically. Staying at Al-Hilal would bolster the team's defensive depth and provide them with a highly experienced local option in top-tier competitions. However, if he were to move to a rival club, he would be a valuable addition to any defense and could potentially shift the balance of power in the Saudi Professional League. Therefore, Al-Bulaihi's future is one of the most closely watched topics in the Saudi sports scene during the summer transfer window.
