The French club Rennes surprised Al Hilal's management by rejecting a substantial financial offer to release their striker Mohamed Kader Meite during the current winter transfer window.

According to press reports, Al Hilal made an offer worth 23 million euros, but Rennes' management insisted on keeping the player and refused to discuss the idea of selling him at the moment.

The Saudi newspaper Al-Youm confirmed that the French club does not wish to part with Kader Meté's services in January, despite the financial temptations offered by Al-Hilal.

The same sources indicated that Al-Hilal's management is still trying to find a way to complete the deal, given the insistence of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi on signing the player.

Previous reports had indicated that Rennes prefers to postpone the sale of Mohamed Kader Meté until the end of the season, hoping to increase the financial return with the growing interest from European clubs.

On the field, Al-Hilal is preparing to face Al-Qadisiyah next Thursday as part of the 19th round of the Roshan Professional League.

Al Hilal continues to lead the Saudi League standings with 45 points, five points ahead of Al Nassr and Al Ahli, despite their recent draw against Riyadh.