Informed sources revealed to Al-Midan newspaper new and exciting developments in the winter transfer window in Saudi football, as the management of Al-Ula Club has finalized its position regarding the offer submitted by Al-Shabab Club to acquire the services of veteran international goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.
Sources confirmed in private statements on Sunday that Al-Ula club officials categorically rejected the request submitted by their counterparts in the Al-Shabab club administration, which included Al-Shabab's desire to loan the international goalkeeper during the upcoming winter transfer window, so that Al-Owais would return to his home club where his football career began.
Offer details and Al-Ula's position
Al-Shabab's request came at a time when the Riyadh-based club is seeking to bolster its defense, particularly in the goalkeeper position. However, Al-Ula's management insisted on retaining Al-Owais as part of the club's ambitious project. Al-Ula had successfully completed a major signing during the previous summer transfer window, acquiring Mohammed Al-Owais (34 years old) from the Asian champions, Al-Hilal, a move that underscored the club's determination to compete strongly in the Yellow League and achieve promotion.
A remarkable career for Al-Owais and the importance of the deal
This news is particularly significant given the immense talent of Mohammed Al-Owais, the Saudi national team's first-choice goalkeeper in numerous international tournaments, including the World Cup. Al-Owais's connection with Al-Shabab dates back several years, as he was promoted to the club's first team in the 2014/2015 season, where his impressive performances attracted the attention of major clubs.
In the 2017/2018 season, Al-Owais left Al-Shabab in a deal that sparked a lot of controversy at the time, heading to Al-Ahli Club, before moving to Al-Hilal in the 2021/2022 season, and recently settling in Al-Ula Club, as part of the major transformations that Saudi sports are witnessing and the support of clubs of different divisions with first-class stars.
The two teams' position in numbers
The request from Al-Shabab comes amidst the team's difficult circumstances in the Roshan Professional League, where they currently sit in 13th place with only 8 points. Statistics reveal defensive struggles, having conceded 13 goals in 9 matches, which explains the management's urgent desire to bring back an experienced goalkeeper of Al-Owais's caliber to bolster their back line.
On the other hand, Al-Ula FC is progressing steadily in the First Division (Yellow League), currently holding fourth place in the standings, a position that qualifies them to compete for promotion. Despite conceding 29 goals in 13 matches, the management sees Al-Owais's presence as a crucial asset and indispensable leadership experience for the decisive second half of the season, making the decision to reject him the club's strategic choice.
