Losing Saud Abdulhamid was always going to constitute a hefty blow for Al Hilal, such was the presence and performance of the now AS Roma defender during the past few seasons.
The marauding full-back had established himself not just as a star of Al Hilal, but as a poster boy of Saudi Arabian football, one that had clubs all around the world sitting up and taking notice.
When Abdulhamid’s move to the Italian capital was confirmed late last August, Jorge Jesus had to act quickly to identify a suitable replacement. And, in Joao Cancelo, they found just that.
The 30-year-old Portuguese international arrived in Riyadh with a CV as impressive as any having played for some of the world’s most prominent clubs: Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Juventus.
That’s not to mention a trophy cabinet the envy of most, with top-flight titles captured in Portugal, Italy, England and Germany. Cancelo also played a leading role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph in 2018-19.
All in all, there were few better placed to replace the irreplaceable. It’s no surprise, therefore, given his extensive experience at the highest level, that Cancelo seamlessly transitioned to life at the Roshn Saudi League champions.
Five assists, 40 chances created, with 12 of those being big chances; it tells the story of how important he has been to Al Hilal this season as they fight to stay in the title race. Heading into Matchweek 25, the Riyadh giants sat second, trailing Al Ittihad by four points.
But then Al Hilal received some rocking news. Cancelo had picked up a hamstring injury in the 3-2 home defeat to Al Ahli on February 28, and will be sidelined for up to eight weeks.
Subsequently, Jesus was tasked with finding a replacement for the replacement. The timing couldn’t be much worse, with 10 games left in the 2024-25 RSL, meaning Cancelo will miss most of the remainder of the season at a time when the title will be decided.
It’s a headache Jesus could do without but one he must confront. Luckily for him, though, he has just the man within his ranks already to deputise for Cancelo.
Like Cancelo, Moteb Al Harbi also landed at Al Hilal in the off-season in a high-profile move, joining on a five-year deal from Al Shabab. As the commitment conveyed, he was one of the most sought-after Saudi talents.
The full-back had, across a number of years for club and country, built a reputation as one of the most prodigious youngsters in the Kingdom. In 2022, he helped the young Green Falcons win the AFC U23 Asian Cup, while he has been named RSL Young Player of the Month no fewer than five times.
With the likes of Al Ahli and Al Nassr also reportedly chasing Al Harbi’s signature, a tug of war for his services ensued. Thus, getting him confirmed in Al Hilal blue was viewed as a massive a coup, especially given they had seen one exciting full-back exit just weeks earlier.
Left-back had long been considered an area Al Hilal needed to strengthen, and the arrival of Renan Lodi last January went some way to doing that.
Then, with Al Harbi’s acquisition, they had turned a weakness into a strength, especially when you consider the dependable, and hugely decorated, Yasser Al Shahrani was still on their books.
Competition with Lodi at left-back has been fierce this season, with the former Atletico Madrid, Nottingham Forest and Marseille star more often preferred by Jesus. It has meant Al Harbi, especially in the early part of the season, was mostly limited to appearances off the bench.
However, the injury to Cancelo offers an obvious opportunity. Al Harbi had already benefited from a similar opening, getting regular starts during the past six weeks as Lodi himself was sidelined.
Yet, as the Brazilian readies to return, another window has opened - this time on the right side of the Al Hilal defence. While Al Harbi traditionally plays on the left-hand side, his versatility means he represents an enticing option to replace Cancelo at right-back for the foreseeable future.
Across several metrics, his numbers stack up with that of Cancelo in relation to areas like touches in the opposition penalty area, balls into the final third, and recoveries.
Of course, raw data is only one part of the equation, but it highlights that, in style and output, Al Harbi can fill the Cancelo void.
Looking outward towards the national team, Al Harbi’s enhanced game-time could prove crucial, too, for Saudi Arabia, who later this month face two massive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Al Hilal defender last featured for Saudi in their 1-1 draw with Indonesia in September last year and will be desperate to force his way back into Herve Renard’s thinking ahead of such significant matches, which could decide Saudi’s World Cup fate.
Getting important minutes into his legs before those encounters with China and Japan will be hugely beneficial, ensuring Al Harbi arrives in camp not only match fit, but match-hardened.
Before then, though, there is the pressing matter of a trip to Buraidah on Saturday to tackle Al Taawoun in a game that could have major consequences on the RSL title race.
At this time of year, with the margins so fine, every point and every goal matters - especially when you’re the hunter as Al Hilal are, trying to reel in Al Ittihad.
With two wins in their past six in the league, Al Hilal can ill-afford any further slip-ups in the run-in, so the injury for Cancelo looked to have come at the worst time possible.
But, in Saudi talent Al Harbi, they have a more than ready-made replacement primed to ensure his absence isn’t as damaging as initially thought.
