The management of Al-Fateh Saudi Club, acting on the technical recommendation of Portuguese coach José Gomes, has begun outlining its plan for the upcoming winter transfer window. The aim is to correct the team's course and reorganize its squad to ensure a different performance in the second half of the Saudi Professional League season. These moves come amidst a strong desire from the coaching staff to bolster the team's ranks with players capable of making an immediate impact.
Gomez requests Ekambi's departure and the search for a prolific striker
According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, José Gomes has submitted a technical report to the club's management requesting the signing of a new striker during the upcoming winter transfer window. The sources indicated that the Portuguese coach wants to register the new striker in place of Cameroonian Karl Toko Ekambi, and the management is currently working to finalize this change officially to ensure the replacement is ready as soon as the transfer window opens.
Marwan Attia is on Al-Fateh's radar
In a related development, Gomez's ambitions to bolster the squad extend beyond the attack to include the midfield. Egyptian international Marwan Attia, a midfielder for Al Ahly SC, has been linked with a move to Al-Fateh during the winter transfer window. This interest stems from the coach's desire to add more solidity and tactical flexibility to the team's midfield, given the player's impressive performances for both his club and country.
The context of the Roshan League competition and the importance of change
These moves are of paramount importance given the tremendous development of the Saudi Professional League (the Roshan League), where the level of competition has risen to unprecedented heights with the presence of a host of world-class stars. Al-Fateh's management understands that remaining in the mid-table or competing for top positions requires a specific caliber of players capable of keeping pace with the high tempo of the matches. Al-Fateh has been considered a stable club, both technically and administratively, in recent years, and these changes aim to prevent any slippage in the standings that could threaten the team's stability.
Preparation program for the next stage
On the field preparation front, the coaching staff has devised an intensive program to utilize the current break, with Al-Fateh players scheduled to resume group training on December 7th. Coach Gomez has decided to play two friendly matches during this period to maintain the players' fitness and test some tactical plans before returning to official matches. This reflects the coaching staff's commitment to utilizing every available minute to prepare the team for the crucial stage of the season.
