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Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Just hours before the kickoff of the 2024-25 Saudi Professional League, reigning champions Al-Hilal, along with Al-Fateh and Al-Wehda, have yet to finalize any new signings, leaving their fans in suspense. Meanwhile, 15 other SPL clubs have been actively strengthening their squads in preparation for the new season.
The Saudi summer transfer window remains open until September 2, giving clubs about 12 more days to finalize their rosters. This transfer period has already seen significant movement among both foreign and local players, with clubs navigating the current roster limit, which caps each team at 25 players.
Al-Hilal has been in the spotlight with its pursuit of Manchester City defenders Kyle Walker and João Cancelo. Al-Hilal is focusing on bolstering its defense, particularly in light of interest from Reims and Roma for current right-back Saud Abdulhamid. Despite Manchester City’s reluctance to sell Walker, Cancelo remains a more likely acquisition, as his future at City is uncertain.
As of now, Al-Hilal has not made any signings, but the club has seen the departure of 12 players, including key figures like captain Salman Al Faraj, Saleh Al-Shehri, Michele, and Abdulelah Al Malki.
In contrast, traditional rivals Al-Nassr have already secured the signings of Brazilian goalkeeper Pinto and Al Fateh defender Salem Al Najdi, while offloading 10 players, including Seko Fofana, Abdullah Mado, Walid Abdullah, and David Ospina.
In Jeddah, Al-Ahli made its first move by signing Brazilian midfielder Alexander, while parting ways with Allan Saint-Maximin and Ibrahim Al-Zubaidi.
Al-Ittihad, one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, has signed 11 new players but also released 14, including Ahmed Hegazy and Romarinho, who left for NEOM, and Marcelo Grohe, who moved to Al-Kholood. Al-Ittihad also extended contracts and activated transfer clauses for key players like Hamed Al-Ghamdi and Saad Al-Moussa.
Elsewhere, Al-Taawoun brought in seven new players, including Sultan Mandash and Fahad Al-Jumaiah, while Al-Shabab bolstered its squad with notable signings like Moroccan striker Abdel Razzaq Hamdallah and Giacomo Yonaventura.
Al-Fayha, Al-Khaleej, and Al-Okhdood have also been active, bringing in new talent to reshape their squads. Newly promoted Al-Orobah made 11 signings, while Al-Qadsiah led the way with 13 new contracts, including high-profile players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nacho Fernandez.
Al-Ettifaq, meanwhile, secured seven new signings, including Seko Fofana.
As the transfer window continues, all eyes are on Al-Hilal, Al-Fateh, and Al-Wehda to see if they will make any last-minute moves to reinforce their squads before the season fully gets underway.
