Speculation over Ali Al-Bulaihi’s future at Al Hilal has intensified after his brother was seen in the stands during Al Ahli’s 1-0 win over Al-Diriyah on Thursday.
The defender has been linked with a possible move to either Al Ahli or Al-Diriyah, and the unexpected appearance of his brother at the match prompted widespread discussion among supporters.
Al Ahli secured victory in their opening match of the Roshn Saudi League season, with the narrow result adding to the attention surrounding the presence of Al-Bulaihi’s brother at the game.
His appearance was viewed by some as a possible indication that the Al Hilal defender could be considering a move to one of the two clubs. However, his brother later addressed the speculation during a television interview on the programme Dawrina Gher, explaining that his attendance was not connected to any transfer discussions.
“I have been an Al Ahli supporter for a long time and attend matches,” he said.
“I have always made a habit of attending Al Ahli’s first matches of the season, and I was also present at the recent game between Al Nassr and Al Raed.”
He added: “This is the nature of football. Everyone supports whoever they want, and I love Al Ahli very much.”
The comments appeared intended to clarify that his support for Al Ahli pre-dated the latest rumours and should not be interpreted as evidence of a planned move for his brother.
The Al-Bulaihi family link to Al Ahli had already attracted attention before Thursday’s match. His brother had previously been seen during an Al Ahli fixture against Al Hilal during the season before last, when his presence also became a talking point.
There has been no confirmation from Ali Al-Bulaihi, Al Hilal, Al Ahli or Al-Diriyah that a transfer is being negotiated. The current discussion has instead been driven by the defender’s brother appearing at Al Ahli matches and by the possibility of the experienced Al Hilal centre-back changing clubs.
Thursday’s match ended with Al Ahli taking all three points after beating Al-Diriyah by a single goal. The result marked a winning start to the campaign for Al Ahli, while the attendance of Al-Bulaihi’s brother ensured the fixture generated attention beyond the result.
The wider football coverage also included a report on the first meeting between Cristiano Ronaldo and Ange Postecoglou at Al Nassr.
