Al-Hilal have approached Riyad Mahrez for a loan deal similar to the one proposed for Kante. However, there was resistance from his club Al-Ahli rather than the player himself. Saudi transfer expert Ben Jacobs reported that Al-Hilal's attempts to secure Mahrez on a short-term loan have not been fruitful, as the opposition is coming from Al-Ahli, who are reluctant to agree to the terms. This development occurs amidst Al-Hilal's broader efforts to strengthen their Club World Cup roster, following rejections from several European stars, including Victor Osimhen, and their ongoing pursuit of alternative high-profile players.