In a decisive move reflecting the major clubs’ commitment to their stars amidst the fierce competition in the Saudi Professional League, the management of Al-Ittihad Club officially informed its player, international winger Abdulrahman Al-Aboud , of its final decision to reject the offer submitted by the traditional rival, Al-Hilal Club , confirming his continued presence within the ranks of “Al-Ameed” during the current winter transfer period.
This decision puts an end to the speculation circulating in sporting circles about the player's future, especially after Al-Hilal, the league leaders, expressed serious interest in acquiring Al-Aboud's services to bolster their squad. Although Al-Aboud has experienced varying periods of regular playing time under different coaches, Al-Ittihad's management considers him an indispensable asset, particularly given their participation in multiple domestic and continental competitions.
Background of the conflict over the player and its strategic importance
Al-Hilal's interest in Al-Aboud was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. The player is considered one of the most prominent Saudi talents in the winger position, possessing exceptional speed and dribbling skills – qualities that would make him a valuable addition to any team. For Al-Hilal, signing Al-Aboud would have strengthened the squad's depth and increased the attacking options for Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, in addition to fulfilling the requirements of the local player roster.
On the other hand, Al-Ittihad's decision sends a clear message to its rivals. With the Kingdom's massive sports development project and significant investments in clubs, retaining local assets and stars has become a top priority. Letting go of a player of Al-Aboud's caliber to a direct title contender would have been a move that weakened the team and gave the opponent an advantage, something Al-Ittihad's management and fans categorically reject, especially with Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo at the helm and his desire to build a stable and strong squad.
Expected impact on the competition map
Domestically, this decision strengthens Al-Ittihad's stability and provides a morale boost for the coaching staff and players, confirming that the club will not abandon its key players. It also puts an end to Al-Hilal's attempts to poach one of their rivals' stars, thus maintaining the current balance of power and making the league title race even fiercer. Al-Aboud's continued presence in Jeddah underscores that the rivalry between the two giants of Saudi football, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, extends beyond the pitch to the transfer market and the preservation of their assets. Now, Al-Aboud himself must translate this confidence into outstanding performances on the field to help his team achieve its goals this season.
