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February 13, 2024

Midseason Review of the Roshn Saudi Pro League 2023-2024 – Saudi Pro League

As the 2023-2024 Roshn Saudi Pro League prepares to resume this week, excitement is palpable following a six-week break for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. During this time, several clubs experienced managerial changes, significant player acquisitions, and some noteworthy departures. Arab News looks closer at the 16 clubs heading into Thursday’s resumption, focusing on their crucial winter dealings and outlook for the remaining 15 matchweeks.

1. Al-Hilal

Points: 53

Goals Scored/Conceded: 59-9

Season So Far: Aside from Neymar’s significant injury, Al-Hilal’s campaign has been stellar. Key summer signings like Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has scored 17 goals, and standout performances from Salem Al-Dawsari, a contender for AFC Player of the Year, have propelled the team. Jorge Jesus’s return as head coach has proven seamless, highlighted by a remarkable 9-0 victory over Al-Hazem, the most significant win in the league this season.

Significant Winter Changes: With their offense firing without Neymar, they strategically bolstered their defense by signing Brazilian fullback Renan Lodi from Marseille.

Outlook: Al-Hilal appears unstoppable in its quest to reclaim the title. It recently defeated Al-Nassr 2-0 in the Riyadh Season Cup and currently holds a seven-point lead with the best defensive and offensive records in the league. Upcoming matches against its closest rivals, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli, will be crucial.

2. Al-Nassr

Points: 46

Goals Scored/Conceded: 55-23

Season So Far: After a shaky start with two league losses, Al-Nassr’s decision to hire Luis Castro has paid off handsomely. Under his guidance, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Talisca have combined for 56 goal contributions, complemented by defensive reinforcements like Marcelo Brozovic and Aymeric Laporte. Their only significant setback was a 3-0 defeat to Al-Hilal, marked by a second-half collapse.

Major Winter Changes: The loan signing of Aziz Behich from Melbourne City has raised eyebrows. Either he or the injury-prone David Ospina will replace the departed Seko Fofana, along with two other midseason exits to Ettifaq.

Outlook: With Ronaldo leading in goals (20) and assists (nine), Al-Nassr remains a formidable contender. They have amassed 46 points from their last 51, making them a potential threat if Al-Hilal falters.

3. Al-Ahli

Points: 40

Goals Scored/Conceded: 41-19

Season So Far: Al-Ahli’s return to the top flight has been a work in progress, marked by the arrival of world-class signings and the hiring of young German manager Matthias Jaissle. Their impressive four-match winning streak at the beginning of the season masked struggles that followed in winter. However, December saw a turnaround as the team began to gel under Jaissle’s leadership. The impact of Franck Kessie, who shone at the Africa Cup of Nations, has been significant. At the same time, Riyad Mahrez has contributed 15 goals. Saudi striker Firas Al-Buraikan also ended the break on a high note, scoring five goals in his last five league matches despite the underwhelming performance of Roberto Firmino.

Significant Winter Changes: None noted.

Outlook: With a nine-point gap to Jeddah rivals Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli is well-positioned to qualify for the inaugural AFC Champions League. They must demonstrate how Jaissle’s youthful vision can propel them forward into the 2024-2025 season.

4. Al-Taawoun

Points: 34

Goals Scored/Conceded: 32-22

Season So Far: Al-Taawoun continues to surprise as dark horses this season under the astute management of Pericles Chamusca. Despite several summer departures following last season’s fifth-place finish, the team has thrived. Joao Pedro has been a standout performer, scoring regularly since returning to the Kingdom. Andrei Girotto has solidified the backline in defense, while Saudi breakout star Awn Al-Saluli contributes to their strength. Mateus, a Nagoya Grampus import, has also impacted with four goals and assists. However, two defeats at the end of December act as a prompt of the difficulties that lie ahead.

Significant Winter Changes: Key midfielder Alvaro Medran has transferred to Ettifaq. At the same time, the talented Mohammed Al-Kuwaykibi has joined Al-Taawoun. Argentine playmaker Cristian Guanca is now on loan from Al-Shabab.

Outlook: Although breaking into the top three seems a significant challenge, Chamusca’s ambition and strategy keep the possibility alive.

5. Al-Ittihad

Points: 31

Goals Scored/Conceded: 37-26

Season So Far: Al-Ittihad’s title defense has been disappointing, with the excitement surrounding the summer signings of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho failing to translate into success on the pitch. Following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo in November, new manager Marcelo Gallardo has managed only seven points from 18 available. The team struggles to transition from a defensive style to a more expansive approach. However, a recent 3-0 win against Al-Tai, rescheduled due to Al-Ittihad’s early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup, offers hope.

Major Winter Changes: Brazilian playmaker Igor Coronado has joined on a free transfer, potentially allowing Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazi to return from injury. Fawaz Al-Sqoor signed from Al-Shabab, while loans brought Hamed Al-Ghamdi, Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, and Saad Al-Mousa from Ettifaq. Conversely, Abdulrahman Al-Aboud and Haroune Camara have moved to Ettifaq.

Outlook: With significant ground to make, Gallardo must quickly demonstrate the brilliance that earned him three Copa Libertadores titles.

6. Damac

Points: 30

Goals Scored/Conceded: 35-25

Season So Far: Cosmin Contra’s first entire season has been impressive, highlighted by the outstanding 14 goals from former Tottenham forward Georges-Kevin Nkoudou. The contributions of Egyptian veteran Tarek Hamed and Romanian forward Nicolae Stanciu have also been crucial, positioning Damac for a notable rise from last season’s eighth place.

Significant Winter Changes: None reported.

Outlook: Damac is eyeing Al-Taawoun in a competitive race to be the league’s best outside the top teams.

7. Al-Fateh

Points: 29

Goals Scored/Conceded: 33-26

Season So Far: Under the guidance of former Ittihad manager Slaven Bilic, Al-Fateh has excelled despite the loss of striker Firas Al-Buraikan. The emergence of teenage talent Abbas Al-Hassan as a potential Asian superstar, alongside driving performances from attackers Mourad Batna, Cristian Tello, and Lucas Zelarayan, has propelled the team forward, with just one defeat from match weeks four to eleven.

Significant Winter Changes: None reported.

Outlook: Al-Fateh is also in contention to challenge Damac and Taawoun, and a sixth-place finish mirroring last season’s performance would be a commendable goal.

8. Ettifaq

Points: 25

Goals Scored/Conceded: 22-22

Season So Far: Ettifaq, under Steven Gerrard, has much to prove. The campaign started positively with five wins in his first seven matches, highlighted by a notable victory over Al-Nassr. However, momentum shifted due to injuries, particularly to French striker Moussa Dembele, who has scored seven goals. The team is currently on an eight-match winless streak.

Significant Winter Changes: Ettifaq has been the busiest club in the transfer window, acquiring Cameroon forward Karl Toko Ekambi from Abha, Spanish midfielder Alvaro Medran from Al-Taawoun, and Seko Fofana from Al-Nassr. Additionally, England midfielder Jordan Henderson made headlines with his move to Ajax. At the same time, Brazilian forward Vitinho (Al-Shabab) and DR Congo center-back Marcel Tisserand (Abha) also departed.

Outlook: Despite recent disappointments, Gerrard must prove his worth following a two-year contract extension granted last month, especially with the increased depth in the squad.

9. Al-Wehda

Points: 25

Goals Scored/Conceded: 31-34

Season So Far: Al-Wehda is having a much easier season than last year’s relegation battle, thanks to the return of manager Giorgios Donis and the impact of Australian winger Craig Goodwin. Veteran forward Odion Ighalo has made a significant contribution with nine goals, surpassing the highest scorer from the previous season by six.

Major Winter Changes: None reported.

Outlook: Enjoying mid-table stability, Al-Wehda has a player to watch in Saudi Arabia forward Abdulaziz Noor, who has recorded three goals and five assists in 18 matches.

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