Abdullah Al-Salem has played down speculation linking him with a move to Al Hilal, saying his focus is on winning a trophy with Al Qadsiah during the coming season.
The 33-year-old striker was asked about the possibility of joining Al Hilal during the current summer transfer window, with the Riyadh club understood to be looking for a new Saudi forward.
Al-Salem previously spent time with Al Nassr, Al Hilal’s traditional rivals, but says he is currently fully committed to Al Qadsiah.
“I wear the Al Qadsiah shirt, I currently belong to this club, I am very comfortable here and I love serving it,” he told Saudi newspaper Al Youm.
He added: “I do not know anything about this matter [the move to Al Hilal], and my ambition this season is to win a trophy with Al Qadsiah.”
Al-Salem joined Al Qadsiah during last summer’s transfer window after a long career in Saudi Arabian football. That career included a loan spell with Al Nassr during the second half of the 2018-19 season.
However, he has not been a regular starter for Al Qadsiah. The club’s Irish manager Brendan Rodgers has largely relied on Italy striker Mateo Retegui and Mexico forward Julian Quinones in attack.
Al Hilal’s search for another Saudi striker comes after the departure of Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who moved to Al Nassr during last season’s winter transfer window. Abdullah Radif has also left Al Hilal, joining Al-Ahli during the current summer transfer window.
Those departures have increased the need for Al Hilal to strengthen its domestic attacking options before the new campaign. Al-Salem’s comments, however, indicate that he has no knowledge of a possible transfer and that his immediate priority is to remain with Al Qadsiah.
The striker is preparing for a demanding season with Al Qadsiah, who are scheduled to compete in four competitions: the Roshn Saudi League, the King’s Cup, the Saudi Super Cup and the AFC Champions League Elite.
Al-Salem’s previous spell at Al Nassr means a move to Al Hilal would have carried additional significance because of the rivalry between the two clubs. He has not ruled on any future possibility, but his public comments make clear that he is currently concentrating on his role at Al Qadsiah rather than on transfer speculation.
The club will hope to challenge for honours across domestic and continental competitions next season, despite Al-Salem facing competition for playing time from Retegui and Quinones. For now, the forward says his ambition is to help Al Qadsiah secure silverware rather than pursue a move to the reigning Saudi giants.