Al Hilal poised for new era as Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal takeover nears

16/04/2026

RIYADH, April 16: Al Hilal is on the verge of entering a new ownership era under Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, with the anticipated takeover expected to be completed within hours.

Yasser Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, recently confirmed that an official announcement regarding the sale of the fund’s stake in one club will be made within the next two days, without disclosing the club’s identity.

However, multiple reports suggest Al Hilal is the side involved. Asharq Al-Awsat had previously reported that Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal reached an agreement to acquire a significant stake in the Saudi giant.

In a parallel development, Al-Riyadiyah reported that Al Hilal has submitted an official offer to Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes to take on the same role at the club starting next season.

The report added that Hughes has requested to bring a full team of six staff members, with negotiations still ongoing over final contractual details.

Should the deal go through, Hughes would be among the first major appointments under the new Al Hilal ownership structure, with further reinforcements expected in the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, reports from Thmanyah indicate that sweeping administrative and sporting changes are being prepared following the ownership transition, including the introduction of new roles aimed at reshaping the club’s structure and boosting performance in the new season.