Simone Inzaghi has confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli will feature for Al Hilal in the coming matches, effectively confirming the Brazilian’s move to the Saudi Pro League club before its official announcement.
Martinelli arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday evening, and Al Hilal are expected to formally announce the deal within the next few hours. Previous media reports have put the value of the transfer at about €65m.
The Saudi transfer window will remain open until 12 October, unlike the major European leagues, whose windows closed at the end of Tuesday.
Inzaghi was speaking after Al Hilal’s 3-0 victory over Al Ahli in the postponed fixture from the third round of the Saudi Pro League. The result left his side top of the table with 12 points from four matches, ahead of rivals Al Nassr on goal difference, with the two teams level on points.
“I am certainly very happy with the level and technical performance the team produced,” Inzaghi said at his post-match news conference, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat. “I congratulate all the players, one by one, for this effort.”
Asked when Martinelli could make his debut, the Italian manager replied: “As for Martinelli, we will see him playing in the coming matches.”
Inzaghi also provided an update on injuries within the squad. He said Salem Al-Dawsari would need more time before returning to action, while Al Hilal would assess Ali Lajami’s injury carefully after the match.
“Salem Al-Dawsari needs more time before returning,” he said. “We will also evaluate Ali Lajami’s injury accurately after the match, while Theo Hernandez felt some physical discomfort and we will assess his medical condition as well.”
Al Hilal’s performance dipped physically and technically after they moved into the lead, but Inzaghi said he expected the team to continue improving.
“Our level will improve and develop significantly in the coming matches, and we are very happy with the excellent atmosphere and the great interaction with our fans today,” he said.
The arrival of Martinelli could increase competition for places, including for Sultan Mandash. However, Inzaghi said Mandash remained an important member of the squad and would have opportunities because of the number of fixtures still to come.
“Certainly, Mandash is producing wonderful and excellent performances,” Inzaghi said. “We have many commitments and matches ahead in the King’s Cup and the AFC Champions League, and he will have enough opportunities to play and prove himself.”
The Al Hilal manager also praised Crysencio Summerville and Mandash for their contributions against Al Ahli, while stressing that the victory belonged to the entire team.
“Summerville and Mandash did great and distinguished work on the pitch, but I would like to thank and appreciate the team as a whole,” he said. “Winning and taking the points are credited to the entire group.”
Inzaghi ended by thanking the club’s supporters for their backing and promised continued commitment from his coaching staff.
“I thank the fans for their attendance and support today,” he said. “The only thing I clearly promise you, on my behalf and on behalf of all the members of the coaching staff, is dedication and hard work.”
