Al-Hilal ‘close to signing’ Mohammed Mahzari after Al-Qadsiah approach | OneFootball

Al-Hilal have targeted Al-Taawoun right-back Mohammed Mahzari as Joao Cancelo’s successor, despite a late approach from Al-Qadsiah.

According to Goal.com, talks with Al-Taawoun are at an advanced stage after Al-Hilal moved for Mahzari early in the window.

Prolonged haggling over Al-Taawoun’s valuation slowed progress for weeks. Al-Qadsiah then tried to hijack the move, but Al-Hilal reasserted their position in the race.

Cancelo, meanwhile, looks set for Barcelona and has made clear he does not wish to return to Al-Hilal after his loan, particularly with Italian coach Simone Inzaghi now in charge.

Mahzari is regarded as one of the standout performers in Saudi football. He received a senior call-up in March to face Serbia, though he was not selected for Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Last season the 24-year-old played 35 times for Al-Taawoun across the Saudi Pro League and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, scoring one and providing two assists.

Source: Goal.com