Al-Hilal Star Responds to Al-Kholood President: I Will Not Give Up My Salary to Play

Abdullah Al-Maliki, midfielder for Al-Hilal, responded candidly to statements made by Ben Harburg, president of the American club Al-Kholood, regarding the increase in salaries for local players in the Saudi Roshn League.

Al-Maliki came on as a substitute in Al-Hilal's 2-1 victory over Al-Fateh in the ninth round of the Roshn League at the "Kingdom Arena" stadium, highlighting his limited playing time with the team.

Al-Maliki's contract is approaching its end in the summer of 2026, giving him the opportunity to sign with any club for free once he enters the free period next January, amid possibilities of his departure due to limited playing time.

The player responded to the statements of the Al-Kholood president by saying: "Any player who seeks to participate deserves to be valued; he cannot be asked to sacrifice his salary in exchange for playing for a lower-level team."

Al-Maliki added: "I am ready to transfer, but it is unreasonable to sacrifice what I have with Al-Hilal for a few extra minutes in a team of a lower level."

The player concluded his statement by calling for opportunities to be given to Saudi players during the winter period, emphasizing that this would benefit the national team ahead of major upcoming challenges, especially the next World Cup.