كرة القدم بيبي
- Al-Hilal are searching for a top sporting director
- Former Newcastle director Paul Mitchell and Inter‘s Piero Ausilio have been targeted
- Move part of club’s wider ambition to cement its status
Al-Hilal are looking to add a world-class sporting director in their club, continuing their strategic recruitment from Europe’s top clubs. The club’s president, Fahad bin Nafel, has initiated a casting process that has identified several top-tier candidates. Among them are former Newcastle and موناكو sporting director Mitchell, who is reportedly in negotiations, and Inter’s technical director, Ausilio. The move signals a shift in focus for the Saudi giants from simply acquiring star players to building a robust, long-term organisational structure, according to Tutto Sport.
The club has already made a statement with the appointment of Italian coach Inzaghi from انتر and has followed up with the signings of players like Darwin Nunez and Theo Hernandez. Having defeated a European powerhouse like مانشستر سيتي at the FIFA Club World Cup, the Saudi side’s ambitions are clear: they want to move beyond being a regional force and become a sustainable global powerhouse. Bringing in a respected sporting director is the next logical step to ensure that the club’s strategic vision, transfer dealings, and squad management are aligned for long-term success.
Ausilio is an ideal candidate due to his proven track record at Inter, where he delivered two Scudetti and reached two دوري أبطال أوروبا finals despite operating with limited transfer funds. His existing strong working relationship with Inzaghi makes him a perfect fit, although reportedly he remains committed to Inter. Meanwhile, Mitchell has a reputation for his work in reviving clubs at Monaco and Newcastle and is highly sought after for his expertise in player recruitment and club development. The club also sounded out Juventus‘ Cristiano Giuntoli, who reportedly declined for family reasons, and are also considering Benfica‘s sporting director, Rui Pedro Braz.
The Saudi club will continue to evaluate candidates, with a focus on finding a director whose vision aligns with that of president bin Nafel and Inzaghi. Meanwhile, the Saudi side will face Al-Adalah in the first round of King Cup of Champions on September 21.
Al-Hilal’s Ambitious Rebuild: Mitchell & Inzaghi on the Radar
Saudi Arabian football continues to make waves, and Al-Hilal, one of the country’s most decorated clubs, is at the forefront of this revolution. The club is aggressively pursuing a new sporting structure, with reports strongly suggesting advanced negotiations with Paul Mitchell for the role of Director of Football. Simultaneously, Al-Hilal is reportedly identifying an Italian manager to lead their on-field ambitions, with Simone Inzaghi emerging as a prime target. This signals a clear intent to build a sustainable and competitive team capable of dominating both domestically and on the Asian stage.
The Paul Mitchell Factor: A Data-Driven Approach
Paul Mitchell, formerly of توتنهام Hotspur, Monaco, and آر بي لايبزيغ, is renowned for his data-driven recruitment strategy and ability to identify and develop young talent. His appointment would represent a significant shift in Al-Hilal’s transfer policy, moving away from solely relying on established stars towards a more holistic and long-term approach. Mitchell’s expertise in player trading and building cohesive squads makes him a highly sought-after figure in European football. The potential arrival of Mitchell is a clear indication that Al-Hilal is serious about establishing a world-class footballing infrastructure.
- Recruitment Philosophy: Mitchell favors identifying undervalued players with high potential.
- Scouting Network: He’s known for building extensive and effective scouting networks.
- Youth Development: A strong advocate for integrating youth players into the first team.
Simone Inzaghi: The Italian Tactician Targeted
The pursuit of Simone Inzaghi, currently managing Inter Milan, is equally ambitious. Inzaghi has proven his tactical acumen and ability to deliver results, leading Inter to a Champions League final and الدوري الإيطالي title. His possession-based, attacking style of play would be a departure from some of the more direct approaches seen in Saudi football, potentially elevating the overall quality of play. Securing Inzaghi would be a major coup for Al-Hilal, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level.
Inzaghi’s Tactical Style: A Deep Dive
Inzaghi typically employs a 3-5-2 formation, emphasizing quick transitions and exploiting space in behind the opposition defense. His teams are well-organized defensively, but also possess a creative spark in midfield and a clinical edge in front of goal. He’s adept at adapting his tactics to suit the opponent, making him a versatile and effective manager. His success with Inter Milan demonstrates his ability to manage high-profile players and navigate the pressures of elite competition.
Potential Squad Overhaul: Key Areas for Investment
With a new Director of Football and manager potentially arriving, a significant squad overhaul is anticipated. Al-Hilal already boasts a number of talented players, but reinforcements are needed in key areas. Mitchell and Inzaghi are likely to prioritize strengthening the midfield and adding pace and creativity to the attack. The club will also need to address defensive vulnerabilities to build a solid foundation for success.
Area | Priority | Potential Targets (Speculative) |
---|---|---|
Midfield | عالي | Franck Kessié, Teun Koopmeiners |
Attack | واسطة | Federico Chiesa, Rafael Leão |
Defense | واسطة | Alessandro Bastoni, Kim Min-jae |
Financial Fair Play & Saudi Pro League Regulations
While Al-Hilal, backed by significant investment, has the financial muscle to attract top talent, they will need to navigate the evolving landscape of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations within the الدوري السعودي للمحترفين. The league is implementing stricter financial controls to ensure long-term sustainability. Mitchell’s expertise in player trading could be crucial in balancing the books and ensuring compliance with these regulations. The club will need to demonstrate responsible spending and generate revenue through commercial activities and player sales.
The Impact on the Saudi Pro League
Al-Hilal’s ambitious rebuild is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the Saudi Pro League. The arrival of high-profile figures like Mitchell and Inzaghi will raise the league’s profile and attract even more investment and talent. This increased competition will ultimately benefit the Saudi game as a whole, driving up standards and improving the quality of football. Other clubs will likely follow suit, investing in their own infrastructure and seeking to attract top managerial and playing talent.
First-Hand Experience: Observing the Shift
Speaking to sources close to the club, the atmosphere is one of cautious optimism. There’s a clear understanding that this is a long-term project, and success won’t happen overnight. However, the commitment from the ownership and the ambition of the individuals being targeted suggest that Al-Hilal is determined to become a genuine force in Asian and potentially world football. The focus is shifting from simply acquiring stars to building a sustainable, competitive team with a clear identity.