The potential transfer of Saudi international striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan from Al-Hilal to arch-rivals Al-Nassr dominated the Saudi sports scene during the winter transfer window. However, this possible move faces legal obstacles that could hinder its completion. In this context, legal advisor Yaqoub Al-Mutair explained the intricate details governing the player's future, given Al-Nassr's desire to bolster its attacking options.
Legal conditions for completing the transfer
In media statements, Al-Mutairi confirmed that registering Al-Hamdan as an Al-Nassr player during the winter transfer window requires first terminating his contractual relationship with his current club, Al-Hilal. He explained that there are three legal avenues to achieve this: “Abdullah Al-Hamdan must terminate his remaining contract with Al-Hilal to be registered during the winter transfer window, either by mutual agreement, by the player or the new club purchasing the remaining term of the contract, or, as a last resort, by unilaterally terminating the contract while bearing the resulting legal and financial consequences.”.
Background to the crisis: A player's ambition and fierce competition
Al-Hamdan's desire to leave Al-Hilal stems from his exclusion from the plans of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. Since joining Al-Hilal from Al-Shabab amidst high expectations, the player has found himself facing fierce competition for a starting position in the team's attack, which boasts prominent international names such as Serbian Aleksandar Mitrovic. This situation has significantly reduced his playing time, prompting him to seek a new opportunity to revive his football career and regain his place in the Saudi national team.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
The significance of this deal lies not merely in the transfer of a player, but in its competitive and historical dimensions. A direct transfer between the two Riyadh giants, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, is a rare occurrence and generates considerable debate among fans and the media. Domestically, Al-Hamdan's move to Al-Nassr will represent a qualitative addition to the team's attacking options alongside the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, especially given the need for a distinguished Saudi striker. As for Al-Hilal, allowing one of its players to join a direct rival might be seen as a delicate decision, but it could be necessary if the player is not part of the club's future plans. Regionally, such transfers reflect the fierce competition in the Saudi Professional League, which has become a destination for the world's top stars, thus increasing its momentum and marketing power.
