Mishaal Al-Safai, the agent of Al-Hilal and Saudi national team star Saud Abdulhamid, sparked a wave of speculation about his client's future after revealing that two Premier League clubs, Newcastle United and Everton, have expressed official interest in acquiring the player's services during the upcoming summer transfer window.
In statements to the "In the Goal" program, Al-Safa'i confirmed the circulating news, saying: "Indeed, we have received official inquiries from Newcastle United and Everton regarding the services of Saud Abdulhamid." He added that all details and developments related to the player's future, whether the transfer is completed or he remains with his current club, will be revealed in the coming period, thus opening the door wide to all possibilities.
Context of interest: The rising career of an exceptional player
This European interest comes as a culmination of the outstanding performances Saud Abdulhamid (24 years old) has delivered with his club Al-Hilal and the Saudi national team. Abdulhamid is currently considered one of the best right-backs in Asia, combining exceptional speed, the ability to perform both defensive and offensive duties with high efficiency, and remarkable physical fitness that allows him to maintain the same intensity for the full 90 minutes.
Abdulhamid began his football career at Al-Ittihad Club, progressing through its youth ranks until he reached the first team, quickly establishing himself as one of the most prominent young talents in the Saudi League. In a move that sparked considerable controversy in January 2022, he transferred to their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal Club, beginning a new chapter of brilliance and success, where he won numerous local and continental titles, most notably the Saudi Professional League and the AFC Champions League.
Significance and expected impact: A historic step for Saudi football
Saud Abdulhamid’s potential move to the English Premier League, the strongest league in the world, is not just an important step in the player’s personal career, but also carries strategic dimensions for Saudi football as a whole.
- On a local level, Abdulhamid's departure will be a testament to the success of Al-Hilal's football system and the Saudi league as a whole, confirming the league's ability to produce talents capable of competing at the highest international levels. This move will also inspire a new generation of young Saudi players to follow in his footsteps.
- On the international level: The presence of a prominent Saudi player in the Premier League will enhance the reputation of Saudi players globally and open doors for more talents to move to Europe. This aligns with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation's general strategy to support players' professional careers abroad to raise the level of the national team, especially as the Kingdom prepares to host the 2034 World Cup.
Saud Abdulhamid’s future remains uncertain until the start of the summer transfer window, but his remarkable performance has certainly put him on the radar of major European clubs, and Saudi football fans are eagerly awaiting whether “Calcio,” as he is nicknamed, will embark on a historic professional career in English football.
