Malcom included in Al Hilal squad for Saudi Pro League opener despite exit links

Malcom has been included in Al Hilal’s squad for their opening Saudi Pro League match against Al-Faisaly, despite reports linking the Brazilian winger with a move away from the club during the current summer transfer window.

Al Hilal host newly promoted Al-Faisaly at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on Friday evening as both sides begin their Saudi Pro League campaigns.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi has decided to name Malcom in the final matchday squad. However, it remains unclear whether the 28-year-old will start or be used as a substitute.

Malcom’s selection comes amid growing speculation over his future in Riyadh. Al-Diriyah are reportedly interested in signing the winger, while clubs from Brazil, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have also been linked with a move for him.

The former Zenit Saint Petersburg player joined Al Hilal in 2023 and has been part of the club’s plans, but the current transfer window has raised questions over whether he will remain with the Saudi side beyond the start of the new campaign.

Al Hilal will be without two other overseas players for the fixture. Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez and Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo have both been left out of the squad, although no reason has been given for their omission.

Both players have also been associated with departures from the club this summer. Barcelona are interested in signing Cancelo on a permanent deal, while Nunez is reportedly close to joining Turkish club Trabzonspor.

Their absences add further uncertainty to Al Hilal’s squad at the beginning of the season, with the club aiming to regain the Saudi Pro League title after finishing without the trophy in the past two campaigns.

Inzaghi’s side will start as the more established team against Al-Faisaly, who have only recently secured promotion to the top flight. Al-Faisaly, however, will be seeking an early surprise and hoping to claim at least one point in their first match back in the competition.

The game at Kingdom Arena represents the first opportunity for Al Hilal to begin their attempt to recover the league crown. Malcom’s presence in the squad means he could play a role in that opening fixture, even as speculation continues over whether his future lies elsewhere.

Al Hilal’s plans for the match will therefore be closely watched, particularly with Nunez and Cancelo unavailable and no explanation provided for their exclusion. Whether Malcom starts or comes off the bench will also offer an indication of how prominently he features in Inzaghi’s immediate plans.