Al Qadsiah have launched an advanced move to sign right-back Mohamad Mahzari from Al Taawoun, in a transfer twist that threatens to derail Al Hilal’s bid for a sixth summer signing.
The Saudi Pro League giants have already completed five deals in the current transfer window, bringing in goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, Sabri Dhal, Nawaf Al Hubayshi, Abdullah Al Anzi and right-back Mohammed Al Sarnukh.
But according to Saudi journalist Ahmed Al Ajlan, Hilal now face the prospect of missing out on 24-year-old Mahzari, long identified as their preferred option to further strengthen the right side of defence.
Al Qadsiah in ‘advanced talks’ with Al Taawoun
Al Ajlan reported that Qadsiah have entered “advanced negotiations” with Al Taawoun to secure the services of the Saudi full-back.
The development comes after earlier local reports suggested that Hilal and Al Taawoun had reached an impasse over Mahzari’s transfer fee, with Al Taawoun said to be demanding a higher financial package than Hilal were prepared to pay.
Those disagreements have opened the door for Qadsiah, who are now pushing to close a deal and beat the Riyadh club to one of the most highly regarded home-grown defenders in the league.
Hilal already added a new right-back
Hilal’s need for Mahzari has been questioned by some observers after the club already moved to bolster the same position this summer.
The record Saudi champions signed right-back Mohammed Al Sarnukh from Al Fateh earlier in the window, giving them fresh depth on the flank even if they fail to land their long-standing target from Al Taawoun.
However, club insiders cited by local media have maintained that Mahzari was seen as a key piece in Hilal’s plans to build a deeper, more competitive squad ahead of a demanding domestic and continental schedule.
Rising Saudi talent with national team experience
Mahzari has emerged as one of the standout full-backs in Saudi football in recent seasons.
His performances for Al Taawoun earned him a call-up to the senior Saudi Arabia national team in March, when he joined the squad for a friendly against Serbia.
Although he did not make the final “Green Falcons” roster for the 2026 World Cup campaign, his inclusion in the March camp underlined his growing stature within the national set-up.
Last season, Mahzari featured in 35 matches for Al Taawoun across the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup.
Operating primarily from right-back, he scored one goal and provided two assists, while also contributing defensively in a team that impressed with its organised, attacking style.
Financial demands the key sticking point
Reports of friction between Hilal and Al Taawoun over Mahzari’s valuation are understood to be central to the shifting dynamics of the transfer.
Sources close to the talks previously indicated that Al Taawoun had “overstated” their financial demands in the view of Hilal’s hierarchy, leading to a cooling of interest from the capital club.
Qadsiah’s willingness to engage at those numbers appears to have changed the landscape, putting them in pole position as negotiations progress.
With the summer transfer window still open, Hilal could yet revive their pursuit. But for now, Al Qadsiah are firmly in control of a deal that may see one of the Kingdom’s most promising full-backs wearing their colours rather than Hilal’s when the new season begins.
