Al-Nasr signs Haider Abdulkarim at the request of Jesus – details of the winter deal

Al-Nasr signs Haider Abdulkarim at the request of Jesus – details of the winter deal

20.01.2026
6 mins read
Al-Nassr officially completes its first winter signing, acquiring Iraqi player Haider Abdul-Karim from Al-Zawraa for $500,000. Learn about the contract details, the percentage of any future sale, and the coaching staff's wishes.

The board of directors of Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr club has successfully completed its first signing of the current winter transfer window, a move reflecting the desire of the coaching staff, led by Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus (according to the source), to strengthen the team's ranks and address the technical weaknesses that emerged during the first half of the season. This step comes as part of Al-Nassr's ambition to compete strongly for all available titles, both domestically and continentally.

Financial and contractual details of the deal

According to informed sources within the Iraqi club Al-Zawraa, a final agreement has been reached for the transfer of talented player Haider Abdulkarim to Al-Nasr for a fee of $500,000. The negotiations were characterized by great flexibility between the two parties, with all financial and contractual terms agreed upon, ensuring the rights of both clubs and the player.

To safeguard their future rights, Al-Zawraa FC insisted on including a clause in the contract granting them 15% of any future transfer fee if Haider Abdulkarim moves from Al-Nassr FC to another club. This clause reflects the Iraqi club's confidence in their player's potential and his ability to develop and increase his market value in the Saudi Professional League.

Event context: Focus on young talent

This deal aligns with the recent trend among Saudi clubs to attract young talent, particularly from Arab and Asian countries, to capitalize on the Saudi Football Federation's decision to increase the number of foreign players and allow the registration of foreign players born in 2003 and later. This approach aims to build a strong foundation for the future and inject new blood into the Roshan League, which has become a focus of global attention.

The importance of the deal and its expected impact

Haider Abdulkarim is considered one of the most promising names in Iraqi football, and his move to a club the size of Al-Nassr represents a significant leap in his career. The player is expected to provide the coach with new tactical options, especially given the congested fixture schedule and the overlap between the domestic league, the King's Cup, and the AFC Champions League. Having a strong bench and ambitious young players is key to maintaining competitiveness over the long term.

Arriving in Riyadh and attending training sessions

Player Haider Abdulkarim is scheduled to arrive in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, this evening to undergo routine medical examinations and then immediately join the team's group training sessions. Al-Nassr fans eagerly await seeing the new player in the team's jersey, hoping he will be a strong addition and contribute to achieving their aspirations for the remainder of the season.

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