Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia Continues to Overlook Local Talent

Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia has sparked controversy by neglecting its⁢ local⁢ players during the summer ‍transfer window, despite public outcry over young striker Murad Khudari’s move to Al-Wahda.

According to Al Jazeera newspaper, Al-Qadisiyah has secured the services of Haitham Asiri, a 23-year-old striker from Al-Raqi, on a permanent contract until the ‌end of the 2025-2026 season.

Asiri’s departure from Al-Ahli comes amidst German Matthias Zeiss’ lack‍ of confidence in him, as well as the team’s‍ technical director‌ marginalizing him due to a shortage of strikers.

During a recent training session, Asiri almost caused an injury to a teammate, prompting the coach to scold him. This incident highlights ⁤the challenges Asiri faced⁤ during his time at Al-Ahli.

Al-Ahli journalist ‍Waleed Saeed has also reported that the team’s management has approved the sale of defender Abdel ⁣Basset⁤ Hindi’s contract to Al-Ittifaq Club, which‌ expires at the end of the current season.

Hindi, 27, began his career at Al-Ahly’s youth side and is considered the team’s oldest current player. However, his time at ⁢Al-Ahli appears to be coming to an ⁣end,⁣ despite being a key ‌player last season.

Al-Ahli has also let go of ⁣French winger Alain Saint-Maximin ⁤this summer, signing Ivan Toni ⁢and Alexandre instead. This move is⁢ part of the team’s decision to reduce its roster from ‍30 to 25 players,‌ including ‌ten foreign players and several local players.

These changes have‍ raised concerns⁤ about ⁢Al-Ahli’s⁣ commitment to developing local talent ‌and its reliance on foreign players.