Al Hilal's new target: Ousmane Dembele

Al Hilal's squad expansion plans are taking shape around a bold new name. According to Sacha Tavolieri, Al Hilal are targeting a move to sign Ousmane Dembele from PSG; the Saudi side want another forward after already signing Crysencio Summerville. PSG, meanwhile, would want a mega fee to sell him.

The background to this target points to an interesting timeline. This development, said to come immediately after Al Hilal's summer deal for Summerville — set to become the second most expensive signing in Saudi league history at €80 million — forms part of the club's expanding squad plans.

The process itself has also become clear. According to Tavolieri, Al Hilal have made contact with Dembele's representatives ahead of opening formal talks with PSG, hoping to secure the player's green light; should the player indicate he is open to the project, direct negotiations between the two clubs are expected to follow.

PSG, meanwhile, has a different priority. The club is reported to want to tie the 2025 Ballon d'Or winner, whose contract runs until 2028, down to a new deal, with the player seen as one of the cornerstones of Luis Enrique's project.

The player's recent form explains this intense interest. Dembele is recalled to have fired PSG to back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles in recent seasons, and also featured in all eight of France's matches at the 2026 World Cup, contributing 6 goals and 2 assists.

The decision facing the 29-year-old is also considerable. Should he stay at PSG, at the peak of his career, and continue chasing further honours in Europe, or move to Saudi Arabia for a new challenge and a massive contract.

Source: Sacha Tavolieri
Image: Sharq Al-Awsat