Al-Hilal set to sign Lionel Messi: Latest updates and news

2023-06-04 08:39:22

4/6/2023–|Last updated: 4/6/202311:52 AM (Mecca time)

Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia sent letters of thanks to coach Ramon Diaz, his son and assistant Emiliano, Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, and Argentine midfielder Luciano Vietto. After confirming their departure as part of a comprehensive reform process in the next season, it may be crowned by the accession of Lionel Messi.

Messi had already bid farewell to his club, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Spanish newspaper “Sport” expected that Al-Hilal would reveal the most expensive deal in history to include the world champion the day after tomorrow, Tuesday, and speculation was raised about the inclusion of his compatriot Angel Di Maria.

According to the Saudi newspaper “Okaz” today, Sunday, Messi is expected to arrive in Riyadh within 48 hours, before officially announcing his joining Al Hilal, but the newspaper did not address the financial value of the deal or the player’s expected salary.

The journalist stated that the Argentine star – who was crowned with his country in the World Cup Qatar 2022 – is in the process of signing his transfer contracts for Al Hilal within a few hours while he is in the French capital, Paris.

She confirmed the presence of a Saudi delegation currently in Paris, and it is scheduled to return to Riyadh soon, accompanied by the legendary star of Barcelona, Spain, whose contract with the French champions has just expired.

It is expected that Al-Hilal will appoint a new coach before entering a camp in Austria next month in preparation for the new season. Former Brazil coach Tite and former Spain and Barcelona coach Luis Enrique were among the candidates, according to local media.

Messi in his last match with Saint-Germain yesterday, Saturday (Getty Images)

Crescent restoration before Messi’s arrival

Al-Hilal published, on Twitter, an expressive image of Ramon applauding in front of an honorary corridor of the blue team players, and commented, “Thank you, Ramon and Emiliano, for everything.”

Diaz’s contract with the former Asian champion expired at the end of this season, and the separation was expected between the two parties weeks ago when the club allowed the veteran coach to travel to Argentina for the second time in the middle of the season, to support his family after a traffic accident that resulted in the death of one person and the injury of two, and Emiliano took over the leadership of the team temporarily.

Al-Hilal was satisfied with winning the King’s Cup of Saudi Arabia this season, after finishing third in the Professional League and losing the AFC Champions League final against Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, but achieved outstanding results in the Club World Cup when it lost the final 3-5 against Real Madrid last February.

During two periods with Al-Hilal, Diaz won the league title twice, the King’s Cup twice, and lost the Champions League final twice.

Although Ighalo is the top scorer of Al-Hilal in the league with 19 goals, and only Abdul-Razzaq Hamdallah, the top scorer of Al-Ittihad (21) and Anderson Talisca, the Al-Nasr striker (20), he faced criticism for his lack of effectiveness in major matches, especially in the Champions League, which prompted Al-Hilal to not The contract renewal of the former Manchester United striker.

Thanks @ighalojude ????
Wishing you good luck and success ????#AlHilal pic.twitter.com/KgOJAU3kkx

— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) June 1, 2023

Al-Hilal thanked Ighalo via Twitter and Vito as well, who was one of the most promising talents in Argentina and Spain, but his career declined.

The Saudi newspaper, Al-Riyadiah, predicted the departure of Malian striker Musa Marega as well, which raises speculation about making way in the attack for Messi’s expected arrival.

Thanks @LucianoVietto ????????
Wishing you all the best and success ????#AlHilal pic.twitter.com/jBSRZAwot8

— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) June 1, 2023