Brazilian winger Malcom has received strong backing from Al Hilal legend Sami Al-Jaber as speculation intensifies over a possible departure from the Saudi club.
Malcom has been linked with a move away from Al Hilal to Al Diriyah, but the 28-year-old refused to acknowledge the reports after Friday’s match against Al Faisaly in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League.
The Brazilian reacted angrily when questioned by the media following the game, telling reporters to stop spreading rumours about his future. His comments came at a time when uncertainty surrounds his position at Al Hilal, despite his importance to the squad.
Al-Jaber, one of the most prominent figures in Al Hilal’s history, defended Malcom during an appearance on the television programme Nadina. He said the winger’s response was understandable because he was dealing with an unsettled situation.
“Malcom’s position is natural. He is going through a difficult period because his future is unknown,” Al-Jaber said.
The former Saudi Arabia international also warned that losing Malcom would represent a significant setback for Al Hilal. He argued that the Brazilian remains capable of influencing matches even when he is not performing at his best.
“Malcom leaving Al Hilal would cause a major loss for the leader, in my opinion. He is a good player and has solutions even in his worst situations,” Al-Jaber added.
Al-Jaber then placed the responsibility on Al Hilal’s management should it decide to part company with the winger. He said any replacement would need to be demonstrably better than Malcom, rather than simply comparable to him.
“If Malcom is to be released, Al Hilal’s management must bring in a player better than him, not someone at his level. If the incoming player is at the same level, Malcom should remain because he knows us and we know him,” he said.
The comments amount to a clear endorsement of Malcom from one of Al Hilal’s most respected former players, as the club considers its response to the transfer speculation.
Malcom’s future remains uncertain following the reports linking him with Al Diriyah, while his public frustration has added to the focus on the issue. The winger’s reaction after the Al Faisaly fixture made clear that he does not accept the rumours being circulated about a possible move.
Al-Jaber’s intervention has now shifted attention towards the sporting consequences of any decision. His view is that Malcom’s familiarity with Al Hilal and his ability to produce solutions in difficult circumstances make him difficult to replace, unless the club can secure a superior alternative.
