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June 16, 2024

Aston Villa Targets Saud Abdulhamid – Saudi Pro League

Aston Villa has reportedly approached Al-Hilal’s Saud Abdulhamid. The defender has attracted interest from clubs in England and France. Al-Hilal is rumored to be open to letting him leave this summer.

Aston Villa is among the European clubs competing for the right-back’s signature as they prepare for their first season back in Europe’s top competition in 41 years, following their top-four finish last season. This summer is crucial for the club as they aim to build a solid squad to compete on four fronts in the 2024/25 season.

Villa’s most recent European campaign saw them reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, where Olympiacos eliminated them over two legs. However, their league form last season was particularly imposing, with the team winning an impressive 20 out of their 38 matches, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level and solidifying their place among the top contenders in the league.

Villa ‘Approaches’ Saud Abdulhamid

Aston Villa is reportedly set to join the race for Al-Hilal right-back Saud Abdulhamid this summer, with interest from clubs across Europe. According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, both Villa and Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest have contacted the player’s agent to explore the possibility of a transfer.

The 24-year-old defender joined Al-Hilal on a free transfer in January 2022 from Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Ittihad and has quickly established himself as one of the top full-backs in the region. He has earned over 30 caps for the Saudi Arabia national team. He is reportedly eager to take the next step in his career, eyeing a move that could elevate his status in European football.

The report also mentions that clubs in France, including Toulouse and Marseille, are keen on signing Abdulhamid. Additionally, the Guardian’s Will Unwin has identified Nice and West Ham as potential suitors this summer, highlighting the growing interest in the talented right-back.

Abdulhamid is considered one of Saudi Arabia’s most promising homegrown talents, having debuted for the national team at just 20 years old under former manager Hervé Renard. He was also part of the squad that competed in the 2022 World Cup, showcasing his skills on the international stage and further establishing himself as a football player on the rise.

His combination of technical ability, tactical awareness, and experience makes him an attractive prospect for clubs looking to strengthen their defensive line.

Douglas Luiz’s Move to Juventus in ‘Final Stages’

According to recent reports from Italy, Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is on the verge of completing a transfer to Serie A giants Juventus. Tuttomercatoweb states that the deal is now in the ‘final stages,’ with Samuel Iling-Junior and Weston McKennie set to move in the opposite direction.

The 26-year-old Brazilian has been with Villa since 2019, having joined from Manchester City. 

During his five years at the club, Luiz has made over 200 appearances and scored 22 goals in all competitions, establishing himself as a critical player in the squad.

In a surprising development, reports also suggest that Alisha Lehmann could be joining Luiz at Juventus, following in the footsteps of her boyfriend. Italian journalist Mauro Munno revealed over the weekend that Villa’s Lehmann is being seriously considered by Juventus, even though her signing may not be a priority for the club’s women’s team this summer. If she makes the move, it would mark a significant step in her career. It could enhance her visibility in European football.

With Luiz and Lehmann potentially making their way to Italy, this transfer window could signal a new chapter for both players as they seek to further their careers in one of Europe’s top leagues.

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