Al-Hilal Guests of Al-Fayha

Riyadh, AFP – Al-Hilal are seeking a second consecutive victory when they host Al-Wehda on Thursday in the opening match of the second stage of the Saudi Pro League.

After their opening league win against Al-Faisaly (4-2), Al-Hilal defeated Al-Raed 2-0 in the King’s Cup, though Brazilian forward Malcom, who scored one of the four goals in the first match, was absent.

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi did not specify how long the Brazilian striker would be sidelined or whether he would be ready for the Al-Wehda clash.

Al-Wehda hope to regain their league footing after their defeat to Neom, having previously beaten Al-Adalah in the cup. Notably, they have lost their last five encounters against “Al-Za’im” (The Chief), a nickname for Al-Hilal.

Meanwhile, Dutch midfielder Tijn Reinders arrived in the eastern city of Al-Khobar after signing a contract with Al-Qadsiah until 2031, having transferred from English club Manchester City, according to a club official speaking to AFP.

Reports indicated that the transfer fee for the 28-year-old, who represented his national team at the 2026 World Cup in North America, amounted to 61 million euros ($71 million).

Reinders’ contract with Manchester City was set to expire in June 2030 after he joined the 10-time English champions last year from Italian side Milan.

Last season, under former City manager Pep Guardiola, Reinders made 47 appearances across all competitions, contributing 15 goals.