Al Hilal are entering the 2026/27 season under real pressure after finishing second to Al Nassr last term, and the transfer window is doing little to ease the tension. The club's most pressing problem right now is rebuilding its attacking options. Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, who had been the primary target for the right flank, rejected a move to Riyadh, with financial disagreements and the player's own reluctance ending talks. That blow arrives as Malcolm's departure to Al-Diriyah edges closer, leaving Simone Inzaghi short of wide options. The club has since turned its attention to Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen as one possible answer, though no deal is close. Darwin Nunez is also expected to leave, with Trabzonspor pushing hard to sign the Uruguayan.

Off the pitch, the FIFA dispute involving Brazilian left-back Renan Lodi remains unresolved, with the governing body still struggling to reach a final ruling. Joao Cancelo is also pushing for a return to Barcelona, adding further uncertainty at full-back.

The injury picture compounds the squad concerns. Club doctor Juan Jimenez confirmed that winger Salem Al-Dawsari and right-back Hamad Al-Yami will both be sidelined for at least two months, a significant setback as the season begins. Defender Hassan Tambakti's situation is also being monitored after a discrepancy in his injury report.

Al Hilal sit second in the Saudi Pro League table with 84 points from 34 games, two behind Al Nassr. They open the new campaign at home to Al-Faisaly on August 14, with the King's Cup also starting days later against Al-Raed.