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September 4, 2024
After 46 days of excitement, speculation, and negotiations, the summer transfer window for the Roshn Saudi League has closed.
With the league having already played two games of the new season, we now have a clear view of how each team is shaping up for the campaign. Here are some of the standout moves by local Saudi players over the past seven weeks that will influence the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League Season.
It was a close call, but the Al Shabab full-back finalized his transfer to Al Hilal, marking one of the most significant deals in RSL history.
The 24-year-old, currently representing the Green Falcons on their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has emerged as a rising star in Saudi football following four standout years across the capital.
After being pursued by multiple clubs, Al Harbi ultimately chose Al Hilal for the next stage of his career. He followed in the footsteps of Yasser Al Shahrani, the longtime left-back for both Al Hilal and the Saudi national team.
As Al Hilal welcomed a major addition this window in Al Harbi, several players departed, including the promising young striker Abdullah Radif.
With limited opportunities at Al Hilal, the 21-year-old will spend the season on loan at Al Ettifaq under Steven Gerrard, where he should have more chances to make an impact.
The versatile left-footer displayed his skill at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, scoring almost immediately after coming on against South Korea in the Round of 16. He also netted three goals last season while on loan at Al Shabab.
One of the most notable window transfers occurred when national team star Saleh Al Shehri, who scored in the memorable victory over Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, moved from Al Hilal to their fierce rivals, Al Ittihad.
The experienced striker, who scored five goals in 14 appearances for Al Hilal last season, had a successful five-year stint in the capital, securing four league titles and two AFC Champions League trophies. Now turning 31, he recently told The Asian Game Podcast that his decision to leave Al Hilal was driven by a desire for a “fresh challenge.”
He will find that fresh challenge at Al Ittihad as they aim to compete for silverware again.
One-half of the renowned Lajami twins who famously confused Sadio Mane earlier last season, Qassem made a relatively short move from Al Ahsa to Al Khobar when he signed for Al Qadsiah from Al Fateh in July.
Since joining Al Fateh in 2019, he has become one of the league’s most reliable defenders, earning a spot on the national team for last year’s Gulf Cup tournament.
As Al Qadsiah revamped its squad for its return to the RSL after a hiatus from 2020-21, Lajami was a crucial target in strengthening its defense, joining former Real Madrid captain Nacho among the new additions.
Having emerged from Medinah-based Ohod, the athletic full-back made a strong impression while on loan at Al Ittihad during their title-winning 2022-23 season, which earned him a permanent transfer to the Jeddah giants.
A natural left-back with impressive speed, Hawsawi found his chances limited during his second season at Al Ittihad. Consequently, he has moved to Al Raed for the new campaign. This move will benefit him, providing more opportunities to demonstrate his talent.
After receiving a senior national team call-up, another standout season will likely reintroduce Hawsawi as a strong contender for international selection.
Another player to depart from Al Hilal, the promising midfielder, returns to Al Shabab after spending the latter part of last season on loan at the capital club.
A product of Al Hilal’s academy, Al Juwayr first gained prominence by scoring the winning penalty as a 19-year-old in Al Hilal’s victory over Wydad Casablanca at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup. His performance at the Gulf Cup for the national team also highlighted him as a player to watch. His impressive stint with Al Shabab last season, where he netted three goals in 15 matches, further solidified his growing reputation.
A product of the Al Ahli academy, the 21-year-old has been relatively unknown in recent years. Last season, a loan spell at Al Okhdood offered his first taste of senior football, though he only played about 30 minutes in total.
Securing a permanent move to Al Wehda for the new RSL season, expectations for the little-known midfielder were modest. However, Khodari has seized the opportunity, scoring in back-to-back games and starting the season in impressive form. His strong start in Mecca raises the question: could this be a breakout season for the young player?
Following his transfer from Al Fateh, the versatile winger has joined an already formidable Al Nassr attack. Al Najdi began to make his presence felt for the Al Ahsa side during the 2022-23 season, appearing 17 times in the RSL. He further solidified his position last season with 24 top-flight appearances. He scored three league goals, contributing to Al Fateh’s seventh-place finish.
An academy graduate of the club, Al Najdi is also skilled as a left-back and stands to benefit from Al Nassr’s recent decision to part ways with former Porto and Manchester United defender Alex Telles. Having represented Saudi Arabia at the U20 level, Al Najdi could be on the verge of a senior national team call-up if he continues to advance at this rate.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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