British press reports, most notably from the reliable journalist Graeme Bailey, have revealed serious interest from Newcastle United in signing Al-Hilal and Saudi national team right-back Saud Abdulhamid during the upcoming summer transfer window. This interest comes as the English club, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, seeks to strengthen its squad with top-quality players to compete at the highest levels in the English Premier League and European competitions.
Background of interest and context of potential deal
Since the Saudi Public Investment Fund's acquisition of Newcastle United in October 2021, the club has experienced a significant surge in ambition and investment. The management aims to build a highly competitive squad, and the right-back position is considered one that needs long-term reinforcement. Despite the outstanding performances of captain Kieran Trippier, his age (33) is prompting the club to seek a younger replacement with the potential to succeed in the Premier League, and Saud Abdulhamid's name emerges as an ideal option.
Bailey pointed out that the Public Investment Fund did not impose the player’s name on the Newcastle management, but rather nominated him as one of the prominent Saudi talents, and the technical management, led by coach Eddie Howe, found that the player possessed the technical and physical capabilities that suited the team’s style of play, which relies on speed, high pressure, and the attacking roles of the full-backs.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
If completed, Saud Abdulhamid's transfer to Newcastle United would be a landmark deal on several levels. Domestically, it would confirm the quality of talent produced by the Saudi Professional League and its ability to compete in the world's top leagues, potentially paving the way for other Saudi players to pursue professional careers abroad.
For Newcastle United, signing a 24-year-old with significant international experience from his appearances with the Saudi national team at the 2022 World Cup and the Asian Cup, in addition to his numerous domestic and continental titles with Al-Hilal, is a strategic investment for the future. Abdulhamid possesses exceptional speed, stamina, and effective attacking contributions – qualities highly sought after in the English Premier League.
On the international level, this step will enhance the image of the Saudi sports project, which is not limited to attracting international stars to the local league, but extends to exporting national talents to the European arena, which raises the level of the Saudi player and increases his competitiveness on the global stage.
