English Premier League
Kalidou Koulibaly form leaves Al Hilal facing defensive dilemma before new season
Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly has come under intense criticism during the club’s preparations for the new season, with his performances falling well short of the standards supporters have come to expect since his arrival. His struggles have created a difficult technical problem for the Saudi Arabian club at a particularly sensitive stage of the campaign.
Koulibaly suffered a thigh injury during the final weeks of last season before returning to represent Senegal at the 2026 World Cup. However, his displays since coming back have raised serious questions about both his physical condition and his performance on the pitch.
The concern for Al Hilal is not simply that the Senegal international’s level has declined. The club also faces a shortage of time before the new season begins, making it increasingly difficult to part with Koulibaly and complete the signing of a foreign defender of comparable quality during the remaining days of the transfer window.
Recruiting an international centre-back would require negotiations with another club, medical examinations and time for the player to adapt to his new team-mates and defensive system. With the start of competitive football approaching, Al Hilal have little opportunity to wait for that process to be completed.
The situation is particularly challenging for manager Simone Inzaghi, who had expected Koulibaly’s experience to provide leadership at the heart of the defence. The Senegalese defender’s current form now means Inzaghi must consider immediate alternatives, whether that involves reorganising the defensive structure or giving other members of the squad greater responsibility.
Al Hilal’s domestic options do not currently appear strong enough to carry the burden alone during a season in which the club is expected to compete in major domestic and continental competitions. That leaves Koulibaly’s continued presence, at his current level, as a genuine source of concern for the club.
The club may therefore have little choice but to rely on the defender gradually recovering his form once the season gets under way. Replacing him has become more complicated than ever, given the limited time available and the demands involved in securing a suitable overseas signing.
Koulibaly’s experience remains an important asset for Inzaghi’s team, but the performances seen during pre-season have placed the club in an uncomfortable position. Al Hilal must decide whether to trust that the 2026 World Cup defender can rediscover his previous level or attempt to find a solution in the transfer market before the window closes.
If Koulibaly cannot quickly regain his confidence and effectiveness, Al Hilal could begin the new campaign facing one of their most difficult defensive crises in recent years.
