Sports

The Al-Hamdan transfer saga to Al-Nassr: Contract details and the player's future

A legal advisor reveals the obstacles facing Abdullah Al-Hamdan's transfer from Al-Hilal to Al-Nassr. Learn the details of the crisis and its impact on the player's future and the Riyadh derby.

Published

3 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Abdullah Al-Hamdan's future hangs in the balance: A legal crisis is hindering his move to Al-Nassr

News of Al-Hilal striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan's potential signing with arch-rivals Al-Nassr has sparked a storm of controversy in Saudi sports circles during the current winter transfer window. While Al-Nassr's management is seeking to bolster its squad, legal advisor Yaqoub Al-Mutair revealed the existence of significant legal obstacles that could derail the entire deal, emphasizing that simply signing the contract does not guarantee the transfer is complete.

Legal details of the contract

In statements to the program “Our League is Different,” Al-Mutairi explained that Al-Hamdan’s official and immediate transfer requires a radical solution to his contractual situation with his current club, Al-Hilal. He said, “Abdullah Al-Hamdan must terminate his remaining contract with Al-Hilal in order to be registered during the winter transfer window.” Al-Mutairi outlined three possible legal paths to achieve this: “Either by mutual agreement between the player and the club, or by Al-Nassr purchasing the remaining term of the contract, or by unilaterally terminating it while bearing the resulting legal and financial consequences.” Without taking one of these steps, the player will remain registered with Al-Hilal until the end of his contract.

Background of the crisis and the player's desire

Al-Hamdan's desire to leave Al-Hilal stems from his exclusion from the plans of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. The player found himself out of the starting lineup due to the presence of a constellation of local and international stars in the team's attack. The young striker is seeking a new opportunity that will allow him to play regularly and regain his previous form, something he hopes to achieve with Al-Nassr, who are also looking to bolster their domestic attacking options.

The importance of the deal in the context of the Riyadh derby

This potential deal takes on added significance as it involves the two Riyadh giants, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Historically, direct transfers between the two clubs have been rare and highly controversial, often igniting fan passion and intensifying the rivalry. If Al-Nassr succeeds in poaching a player from their arch-rivals, it would represent a significant blow, both in terms of prestige and management, while Al-Hilal will strive to protect its contractual rights and maximize its financial gain should it agree to the player's departure. This off-field struggle is no less important than the on-field competition and reflects both clubs' ambitions to dominate Saudi football.

While negotiations and legal efforts continue to resolve this crisis, Al-Hilal Club continues its preparations for the Roshan Professional League competitions, as the team prepares to meet Al-Qadisiyah Club in the nineteenth round of the competition, in a match that will be held at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium.

Sports

Match schedule for Thursday, January 29, 2026: Roshan League and Europa League

Follow the schedule and times of the most important matches on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Comprehensive coverage of the Saudi Professional League matches and the exciting Europa League competitions.

Published

1 hour ago

January 29, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Football fans around the world are gearing up for an action-packed day of football action on Thursday, January 29, 2026, as all eyes turn to stadiums in Saudi Arabia and Europe for crucial matches in two top-tier competitions: the Saudi Professional League and the UEFA Europa League. This day offers a unique blend of local passion and continental rivalry, guaranteeing a rich football feast for fans.

Fiery clashes in the Saudi Roshan League

The Saudi Professional League, which has gained significant global momentum in recent years thanks to attracting international stars, is entering a new round promising intense competition. This stage of the season is crucial in determining the trajectory of the teams, whether they are vying for the championship title, seeking to secure a place in Asian competitions, or even battling to avoid relegation.

Highlights of the Roshan League:

Al-Fateh vs. Al-Ittihad (6:00 PM): A fierce encounter between "The Model" and "The Dean." Al-Ittihad, one of the giants of Saudi football with a rich history, enters this match aiming for three points to maintain their position at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, Al-Fateh, who previously won the league title in a historic upset, seeks to capitalize on home advantage and the support of their fans to achieve a positive result against a tough opponent.
Al-Qadisiyah vs. Al-Hilal (8:30 PM): Al-Hilal, the leading Saudi and Asian club, faces another test when they visit Al-Qadisiyah. There is no room for error for Al-Hilal in their relentless pursuit of titles, making this match crucial for maintaining or closing the gap on the league leaders.
Al-Hazm vs. Al-Shabab (8:30 PM): A highly anticipated match pits Al-Hazm against Al-Shabab, the "Sheikh of Clubs." Al-Shabab, with its rich history and enduring ambitions, aims to secure all three points to solidify its position in the top four and compete for a spot in the AFC Champions League.

Fierce continental competition in the Europa League

On the continental level, the excitement continues in the Europa League, the second most prestigious club competition in Europe after the Champions League. This tournament holds immense importance not only for its status as a prestigious European title, but also because the winner secures a direct place in the Champions League for the following season. This round features a series of crucial matches that will determine the fate of several major clubs from across the continent.

Europa League fixtures schedule (all at 11:00 PM):

Nottingham Forest vs Ferencváros
Aston Villa vs Salzburg
Basel vs Viktoria Plzen
Celtic vs Utrecht
Stuttgart vs. Young Boys
Sturm Graz x Bran
Real Betis vs Feyenoord
Panathinaikos vs Roma
Lyon vs PAOK Thessaloniki
Midtjylland vs Dinamo Zagreb
Lille vs Freiburg
Genk x Malmo
Go Ahead Eagles vs Sporting Braga
Red Star vs Celta Vigo
Steaua Bucharest vs Fenerbahce
Porto vs Rangers

These matches offer fans a chance to see prestigious clubs such as Roma of Italy, Porto of Portugal, Lyon of France, and Aston Villa of England fiercely competing for European glory, giving Thursday night a special global character.

Sports

Surprise doping tests for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr stars in the Saudi League

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr stars underwent a surprise doping test as a routine procedure. Learn about the importance of these tests for the reputation of the Saudi League and the integrity of the competition.

Published

2 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

In a routine procedure to ensure the integrity of competitions, the Saudi Anti-Doping Committee selected four of Al-Nassr's top stars, including Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo, for a surprise doping test. This measure was taken ahead of Al-Nassr's highly anticipated match against Al-Kholoud in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League.

Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, the list of players selected for testing included Croatian star Marcelo Brozovic, Portuguese player Otavio, and Senegalese player Sadio Mane. The presence of the anti-doping committee at Al-Nassr Club's headquarters is part of its standard operating procedure, which aims to implement the highest standards of transparency and fair play in Saudi stadiums. These visits are conducted periodically and unannounced at clubs to ensure full compliance with international regulations.

General context and importance of doping control

Anti-doping programs are a cornerstone of professional sports worldwide. National bodies, such as the Saudi Anti-Doping Committee, work in coordination with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ensure that competitions are free of any prohibited substances that could give athletes an unfair advantage. These tests, whether random or targeted, do not necessarily imply suspicion about a particular athlete; rather, they are a preventative mechanism aimed at protecting athletes' health and preserving the spirit of fair play that is at the heart of sport.

Impact of the measure on the reputation of the Saudi League

With the growing global interest in the Saudi Professional League (SPL) following its attraction of some of the biggest names in football, adhering to international standards has become more important than ever. Subjecting stars of Cristiano Ronaldo's caliber to these tests sends a strong and clear message to the world that the SPL takes anti-doping seriously and that no one is above the law. This enhances the league's credibility and solidifies its position as one of the top leagues committed to global best practices, which will contribute to attracting more talent and investment. This measure comes as Al-Nassr prepares for its upcoming match after its recent 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun in the previous round, emphasizing that its focus on technical and physical readiness goes hand in hand with compliance with regulations.

Sports

John Duran's future and his stance on a potential move to Saudi club Al-Nassr

Crucial details regarding the future of Colombian striker John Duran, Aston Villa player, and his final stance on offers to move to Saudi club Al-Nasr in the Roshan League.

Published

2 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Amid the speculation surrounding the winter transfer market, it appears that young Colombian striker John Duran, a player for English club Aston Villa, has made up his mind about his professional future, especially with regard to the great interest from Saudi league clubs, most notably Al-Nasr.

The player's background and Al-Nassr's ambitions

John Duran joined Aston Villa in January 2023 from Chicago Fire, bringing with him high hopes as a promising attacking talent. Despite his sporadic appearances as a substitute for first-choice striker Ollie Watkins, he showed glimpses of quality and goal-scoring ability that attracted the attention of several clubs. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, led by their global star Cristiano Ronaldo, are looking to bolster their squad with young, strong players to strengthen their attacking options and compete strongly for all domestic and continental titles. This endeavor is part of the Saudi league's strategy to attract not only established stars but also young talents who represent the future of football.

The decision to turn around and prefer to stay in Europe

According to multiple press sources familiar with the transfer market, John Duran has rejected the idea of moving to the Saudi league at this time. The player's final decision stems from his strong desire to continue his professional career in European leagues, specifically the English Premier League, which he considers the ideal environment to develop his abilities and reach his peak. Duran believes that staying in Europe will give him a greater opportunity to compete at the highest levels and participate in major tournaments like the Champions League, an ambition he is striving to achieve in his career.

The importance and expected impact of the decision

Duran's decision carries significant implications for the football world. Despite the immense financial resources of Roshan League clubs, the sporting appeal and competitiveness of Europe's top leagues remain the top priority for many young players. This stance reflects a mature career planning on the player's part, prioritizing technical development over substantial financial rewards at this stage of his life. For Al-Nassr, this rejection necessitates turning their attention to other targets to bolster their attack, potentially impacting the team's plans for the second half of the season. For Aston Villa, however, retaining the player provides manager Unai Emery with an additional important option, amidst ongoing speculation about a possible move to another European club offering him regular playing time.