Informed sources told Al-Midan Al-Riyadi that Al-Khaleej FC's management has made a decisive decision to officially part ways with Greek coach Giorgos Donis and his compatriot, star player Kostas Fortounis, at the end of the current Saudi Professional League season. This decision marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase for the club, which aims to solidify its position among the top teams.
Background and context of the decision in the Roshan League
Georgios Donis, a coach experienced in Saudi Arabian football, took the helm at Al-Khaleej in July 2023, building on his previous successes with major clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Fateh, and Al-Wehda. Despite achieving the primary objective of securing the team's survival in the Pro League and avoiding relegation, the club's ambitions for the upcoming season appear to require a different coaching approach. Meanwhile, Kostas Fortounis, who joined from the prestigious Greek club Olympiacos, proved to be a highly successful signing, quickly becoming the team's playmaker and one of the league's most prominent playmakers, topping the list of players with the most goal contributions for Al-Khaleej. However, negotiations between the two parties to renew his contract failed to reach a satisfactory agreement, leading to his departure.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
Domestically, this decision presents Al-Khaleej's management with a significant challenge during the summer transfer window. They must find a new coach with an ambitious sporting project, in addition to filling the considerable void left by the departure of a player of Fortounis' caliber. This strategic direction reflects the desire to build a team capable of competing at the top levels, capitalizing on the considerable momentum of the Saudi Professional League. Regionally, the departure of well-known names like Donis and Fortounis underscores the highly competitive nature of the Saudi league, which no longer prioritizes mere survival but demands continuous development to achieve its goals.
A look to the future
This announcement comes as the team strives to finish the season on a high note, despite suffering a 3-2 defeat in their last match against Al-Akhdoud. With the departure of the two Greek players confirmed, the coming months will be crucial in shaping Al-Khaleej's squad for the 2024-2025 season. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of who will lead the team in the next phase and bolster their ranks to face the growing challenges in one of the region's strongest leagues.
