Hilal poised to sell Malcom as Dembele pursuit gathers pace

Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal are ready to listen to offers for Brazilian winger Malcom in a move widely seen as clearing the way for a potential bid to sign France international Ousmane Dembele from Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports in recent weeks have indicated that Al Hilal have held informal talks with Paris Saint-Germain over Dembele, sounding out the French club over a possible transfer. Those contacts have not yet developed into formal negotiations, but the latest developments in Riyadh are expected to sharpen speculation over a renewed approach.

According to well-known journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Al Hilal’s hierarchy have decided to place Malcom on the transfer market during the current window after he dropped out of the plans of new Italian head coach Simone Inzaghi.

Tavolieri reports that the Saudi side have already begun the process of identifying a new club for the former Barcelona forward as part of a broader reshaping of the squad ahead of the new season. The intention, he adds, is both to refresh the team and to free up space for new arrivals.

Right-wing vacancy points to Dembele role

Moving Malcom on would open up a vacancy on the right flank, a position in which Dembele is most comfortable and has built his reputation in Europe. That tactical fit has fuelled the belief that Al Hilal are laying the groundwork for a major move for the 27-year-old.

The club, often referred to by their nickname “Al-Za’eem”, are understood to be targeting a winger who offers pace, directness and the ability to decide matches in one-on-one situations – qualities that Dembele has demonstrated for both club and country.

Simone Inzaghi is keen to add a wide player who can stretch defences and provide an extra creative outlet in the final third, and Dembele is seen as a profile who closely matches those requirements.

Dembele has been regarded as one of Paris Saint-Germain’s standout attacking players in recent seasons, noted for his dribbling, unpredictability and capacity to operate on either wing. His status in the French capital means any transfer would be among the most high-profile deals of the summer for the Saudi Pro League.

Potential pathway to Saudi Pro League

While no agreement is in place and Paris Saint-Germain have not publicly commented on any talks, the decision to actively seek a buyer for Malcom is being interpreted as the first concrete step in a strategy that could eventually bring Dembele to the Roshn Saudi League.

The Brazilian’s prospective departure would not only free up a foreign player slot but also remove a direct competitor for minutes in the same position, potentially smoothing Dembele’s integration were a deal to be struck.

For now, Al Hilal’s interest remains at the exploratory stage, with the club assessing the feasibility of any move for the France international given his importance to Paris Saint-Germain and the financial scale such a transfer would likely require.

However, by moving to offload Malcom and reshape their attacking options, Al Hilal have signalled their intent to strengthen the squad significantly under Inzaghi – and increased the focus on whether that ambition will ultimately lead to Ousmane Dembele lining up in the Saudi top flight next season.