A sensational deal in the Yellow League: Michail dons the Al-Ula jersey
In a surprising and significant move, Al-Ula FC, which plays in the Saudi First Division (Yellow League), officially announced the signing of Brazilian star Michael Delgado, the former Al-Hilal winger. Reports indicate that the player signed a one-and-a-half-year contract, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his professional career in Saudi football, this time in the First Division.
This deal comes as a culmination of negotiations that took place during the past period, as the management of Al-Ula Club succeeded in convincing the player of the club’s ambitious project, which seeks to strengthen its ranks with experienced and technically skilled players, with the aim of competing strongly for promotion to the Roshan Professional League.
Historical background: Michael's illustrious career with Al-Hilal
Michael Delgado (28 years old) is considered one of the most prominent foreign players to have graced the Saudi League in recent years. He joined Al-Hilal in January 2022 from Brazilian club Flamengo and quickly became a key player in the "Leaders'" lineup thanks to his blistering speed, exceptional individual skills, and ability to make a difference in the attacking third. During his time with Al-Hilal, Delgado achieved several significant accomplishments, most notably winning the Saudi Professional League title, the King's Cup, and finishing as runner-up in the FIFA Club World Cup, making him a fan favorite among Al-Hilal supporters who nicknamed him "Al-Harraq" (The Burner).
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
The importance of Michael's move to Al-Ula is not limited to the artistic aspect only, but extends to include other dimensions on various levels:
- At the local level: The arrival of a player of Michael's caliber represents a tremendous morale and technical boost for Al-Ula Club, raising their ambitions to compete for one of the two direct promotion spots. His presence will also increase media and public interest in the team's matches and the Yelo League in general, thus contributing to a higher marketing value for the competition.
- At the regional level, this deal reflects the significant growth and appeal of Saudi football at all levels, not just the professional league. The ability of first-division clubs to attract stars who previously played for the continent's biggest clubs is a strong indicator of the financial depth and competitiveness achieved by the Kingdom's sports system, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
In short, Michael Delgado’s move to Al-Ula is more than just a player deal; it’s a clear message about the club’s ambition and the Yellow League’s desire to raise the level of competition and attract more attention, promising an exciting and challenging season in the race to promotion.
