Saudi international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi made his debut for Al-Shabab in their match against Al-Kholoud in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. Despite Al-Bulaihi's strong individual performance, Al-Shabab suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat, marking an unexpected start to his career with his new club.
Background of the sudden transition
The signing of Ali Al-Bulaihi by Al-Shabab is considered one of the most prominent deals of the Saudi Pro League's winter transfer window. He joined on loan from their city rivals, Al-Hilal, until the end of the 2025/26 season. This move came as a surprise to many observers, given that Al-Bulaihi has been a cornerstone of Al-Hilal's defense for years, achieving numerous domestic and continental successes with them, most notably winning the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Pro League titles multiple times. This transfer is seen as reflecting Al-Shabab's desire to bolster their back line with an experienced and powerful player capable of leading the defense and providing both technical and moral support to the team as they strive to improve their league performance.
Performance details for the first match
Al-Bulaihi played the full 90 minutes, delivering a remarkable defensive performance that reflected his vast experience. According to statistics, he achieved impressive numbers despite the loss, clearing the ball from danger twice and recovering possession three times. In terms of build-up play, Al-Bulaihi demonstrated high passing accuracy, completing 55 out of 62 passes with a good success rate. He also delivered four successful long balls out of six attempts and provided one key pass to his teammates. Al-Bulaihi nearly capped his debut with a goal, but the referee disallowed his strike against Al-Kholoud, denying him a perfect start.
Importance and expected impact
Domestically, Al-Bulaihi's transfer is expected to have a significant impact on Al-Shabab's defense, as he adds a solidity and leadership quality that the team lacked. His experience in handling big matches and pressure will also be a crucial factor in the team's performance for the remainder of the season. Regionally, this transfer strengthens the Saudi Professional League, which has become a destination for top international and local stars, and underscores the high level of competition among its major clubs. As for his international career, his regular appearances with Al-Shabab will ensure he maintains his physical and technical readiness, thus supporting his continued participation with the Saudi national team in upcoming competitions.
