Reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, a specialist in player transfers, confirmed that Saudi club Al-Nassr has successfully completed the signing of young Iraqi talent Haider Abdul-Karim from Iraqi club Al-Zawraa. Romano indicated via his official account on the X platform that the deal is finalized and that the player successfully passed his medical examinations. He emphasized that Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus was very keen on acquiring the player, which prompted the club's management to finalize the negotiations.

Background and context of the deal in the Saudi League

This deal comes amidst a major transformation of the Saudi Professional League, which is no longer solely focused on attracting top international stars, but is now also concentrating on recruiting promising young talents from around the world, particularly from the Arab region. This shift is part of a broader strategy aimed at raising the league's technical level in the long term and building a new generation of players capable of competing globally, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for developing the sports sector.

Who is Haider Abdul Karim?

Twenty-one-year-old Haider Abdul Karim is considered one of the most promising rising stars in the playmaker position in Iraqi football. He has impressed with his club, Al-Zawraa, making 12 appearances this season, scoring two goals and delivering a remarkable display of tactical maturity beyond his years. Internationally, Abdul Karim has two caps for the Iraqi Olympic team (under-23), indicating that he has been on the radar of national team coaches since his early years.

The importance of the deal and its expected impact

Domestically, Abdulkarim's arrival represents a strategic addition to Al-Nassr, providing a promising future option in midfield who can develop under the guidance of an experienced coach like Jesus. Regionally, this transfer highlights the footballing talent in Iraq and opens the door for other players to move to stronger leagues, thus enhancing the standing of Iraqi football. Internationally, this deal confirms that Saudi clubs are building a comprehensive vision that doesn't rely solely on big-money signings, but also invests in young talents who can become stars in the future. The player's current market value is around €300,000 according to Transfermarkt, a value that is expected to increase significantly as his performance develops in a competitive environment like the Saudi league.

French press reports have revealed rapid developments in Al-Hilal's negotiations with Stade Rennais' young striker, Mohamed Kader Meite, with the aim of acquiring his services during the current winter transfer window. This move comes as part of Al-Hilal's efforts to bolster its squad with promising talents to ensure its continued dominance in the long term.

According to French radio station RMC, the deal has taken a new turn following the personal intervention of Al-Hilal's manager, Portuguese Jorge Jesus, who contacted the player directly to convince him of the club's project and the importance of joining the star-studded squad in the Saudi Professional League. This direct move by the coach reflects Al-Hilal's seriousness and strong desire to finalize the transfer.

General context and ambitions of the Saudi League

Al-Hilal's interest in the young player comes within the framework of a broader strategy adopted by Saudi Pro League clubs, backed by the Public Investment Fund. This strategy not only focuses on attracting big-name international stars but also on scouting for promising young talents from around the world. The aim is to raise the league's overall quality and make it an attractive destination for top players of all ages, thus contributing to building a strong foundation for the future.

The importance of the deal and its expected impact

Eighteen-year-old Mohamed Kader Meite is considered one of the rising stars of French football. Stade Rennais is renowned as a talent factory, having produced prominent players like Ousmane Dembélé and Eduardo Camavinga through its academy. Therefore, Al-Hilal's success in signing a player of this caliber would be a significant boost to the team's attack and would send a strong message that Saudi clubs are now genuine competitors to European clubs in the young talent transfer market.

Meanwhile, according to the French report, Rennes officials are working to convince the player to extend his contract, recognizing his considerable technical and future value. This competition for the player's signature highlights his immense talent and makes his future destination a subject of intense interest.

Statistics of Mohamed Kader Mete with Rennes

The young striker has played for Rennes in 17 matches across all competitions this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists for his teammates in 567 minutes of play, which are good numbers for a player of his age participating in one of the major European leagues.

Football fans around the world will be glued to their screens on Friday, January 23, 2026, for a day packed with exciting and diverse matches across different continents. From the fierce battle for points in Europe's top leagues to the intense competition for continental glory in the CAF Champions League, and even the high ambitions of the Saudi Professional League, this day promises a rich football feast to satisfy every taste.

European clashes with different flavors

The European leagues continue their relentless pursuit of their goals as we enter the halfway point of the season. Every team is striving to achieve its objectives, whether it's competing for the title, securing a European qualification spot, or avoiding relegation. Several important matches are scheduled for today in the Spanish, Italian, and French leagues.

Spanish League: The Midfield Battle

In Spain, Levante hosts Elche in a match of great importance to both teams in the La Liga standings. Such mid-season fixtures are often crucial in determining the course of the season, as every point gained at this stage can be decisive in the fight for survival or the competition for European qualification.

• Levante vs Elche – 11:00 PM Saudi Arabia Time

Italian League: Inter seeks to strengthen its position

The Italian Serie A will witness a clash between Inter Milan, one of the giants of Italian football with its rich history, and Pisa. Inter always strives to compete strongly for the league title, and home matches are considered an ideal opportunity to secure three points and strengthen their position at the top of the standings, while Pisa aims to achieve a positive result against a tough opponent.

• Inter vs. Pisa – 10:45 PM Saudi Arabia Time

French League: Paris Saint-Germain on a new mission

In France, the star-studded Paris Saint-Germain travel to Auxerre. Matches for the Parisian side are always closely watched, given their attacking prowess and their relentless pursuit of the Ligue 1 title. Meanwhile, Auxerre will be hoping to capitalize on home advantage and a supportive crowd to pull off a major upset.

• Auxerre vs. Paris Saint-Germain – 10:00 PM Saudi Arabia Time

A fiery African night in the Champions League

The excitement continues in the group stage of the CAF Champions League, the most prestigious and important club competition in Africa. The matches in this round are crucial in determining which teams will advance to the knockout stages.

Sundowns host Al-Hilal of Sudan

In a highly anticipated clash, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, known for their distinctive attacking style, will host Sudan's Al-Hilal, a team with a massive fan base and a rich history. This encounter has become a classic of the tournament in recent years, consistently delivering fierce competition and intense battles on the pitch.

• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al-Hilal (Sudan) – 11:00 PM Saudi Arabia Time

Al Ahly of Egypt vs. Young Africans

At their home ground in Cairo, Al Ahly of Egypt, the record holders for the most titles in the competition, will face a crucial match against Tanzania's Young Africans. The "Red Devils" always strive to reaffirm their continental dominance and secure a victory to guarantee first place in their group and ease their path in the later rounds.

• Al Ahly vs Young Africans – 7:00 PM Saudi Arabia Time

The ambition to advance ignites the Saudi Yellow League

The excitement is no less in the Saudi stadiums, where the competitions of the Yellow League for First Division clubs continue, which is witnessing fierce competition between several clubs in order to snatch the promotion tickets to the Saudi Professional League, which has become a destination for the most prominent stars of the world.

• Al-Oruba vs. Al-Bukairiyah – 3:50 PM Saudi Arabia Time
• Al-Diriyah vs. Al-Ta'i – 4:40 PM Saudi Arabia Time