In a remarkable development for the winter transfer market in Saudi Arabia, the reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who specializes in news about player and coach transfers around the world, revealed that the management of Al-Nassr Saudi Club has succeeded in finalizing the deal to sign the young Iraqi talent Haider Abdul Karim, a midfielder from Al-Zawraa Iraqi Club, to strengthen the ranks of “Al-Aalami” during the coming period.
Details of the deal and the Riyadh conflict
Romano confirmed via his official account on the “X” platform (formerly Twitter) on Friday that Al-Nassr's management had completed all the official procedures for signing the player, saying: “Al-Nassr has finalized the signing of Iraqi talent Haider Abdul Karim from Al-Zawraa, and the medical examinations were successfully completed.” The deal was not without the usual drama of the Riyadh derby, as the Italian journalist dropped a bombshell by confirming that Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, manager of Al-Hilal, was very keen to bring the player to the “Leader” (Al-Hilal's nickname), but Al-Nassr's management succeeded in a race against time to secure the player's services.
Who is Haider Abdul Karim?
Twenty-one-year-old Haider Abdul Karim is considered one of the most promising rising stars in Iraqi and Gulf football. He plays as an attacking midfielder for the prestigious Al-Zawraa club, and this season he has made 12 appearances, scoring two goals. What distinguishes Abdul Karim is not only his statistics, but also the tactical maturity he displays on the field, his exceptional ability to link up play, control the tempo of the game, and his accurate passing and comprehensive vision – qualities that have made him a target for scouts from major clubs.
Strategic context: Attracting young talent
This deal comes within the context of a strategic shift in Saudi Pro League clubs, where the focus is no longer solely on attracting established international stars, but has expanded to include the search for promising young talents (both those born in Iraq and those under 23) to build a strong foundation for the future. The Iraqi market is currently considered one of the richest in talent in the region, especially after the impressive performance of Iraqi national teams across various age groups recently.
The impact of the deal and the player's future
Internationally, Abdulkarim possesses considerable experience for his age, having represented the Iraqi Olympic team at the under-23 level. The recent Gulf Cup (Gulf 25), hosted by Basra, proved a pivotal turning point in his career, where he impressed with his individual and team skills. His current market value is approximately €300,000 according to Transfermarkt, a figure poised to double rapidly once he joins the competitive Saudi league and trains alongside world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Otavio, and Brozovic at Al-Nassr, significantly enhancing his talent.
