Multiple sources have revealed that Italian coach Simone Inzaghi is keen to strengthen Al Hilal's squad by signing Al Taawoun winger Sultan Mandash during the upcoming January 2026 winter transfer window.

Al Hilal's management officially took action to meet their coach's request by submitting a formal letter to Al Taawoun's management, requesting negotiations for the player's transfer before the start of the winter transfer window.

This interest comes after Sultan Mandash's outstanding performance with Al-Taawoun, making him a strategic target for Al-Zarq before a crucial stage of the current season in the Roshn Saudi League.

However, Al-Hilal's efforts encountered an unexpected obstacle when Shamuska, the coach of Al-Taawoun, announced his instructions to close the door on player departures, emphasizing the necessity of retaining all key players until the end of the current season.

Shamuska confirmed to the cooperation management that any attempts by players to leave, including Sultan Mandash, will not be considered, in a move to strengthen the team's stability and ensure continuous performance in local competitions.

Despite Al Hilal's clear desire to sign Mandash, his continued refusal makes the possibility of completing the deal in January uncertain, presenting Inzaghi with a new challenge to reorganize his attacking plans.