In an exclusive statement to Al-Midan, the president of the Iraqi Al-Zawraa Club, Mr. Haider Shanshul, settled the controversy surrounding the future of player Haider Abdul-Karim, confirming that his club is about to send the player’s international transfer certificate to the Saudi Al-Nasr Club tonight, thus completing one of the most prominent deals of the transfer period.

Shanshul explained that the official release letter will be sent as soon as all financial and legal procedures between the two clubs are completed, praising the high level of professionalism shown by Al-Nassr's management during the negotiations. He added, "The administrative work at Al-Nassr reflects the depth of the strong relationship that unites us, and this relationship is not limited to Al-Nassr alone, but extends to include all our sister Saudi clubs.".

Denying rumors and emphasizing the depth of relations

In a decisive response to media reports alleging that Al-Zawraa's management was stalling the completion of the deal due to disagreements over its financial value or delays in payment transfers, the club president categorically denied these reports. He described them as "false reports," emphasizing that "financial matters will never hinder the strong Saudi-Iraqi relations, especially in the sports field." He also confirmed that the financial details of the contract, including the player's salary, remain confidential between the two clubs' administrations.

Historical background and importance of the deal

The transfer of Haider Abdulkarim is not an isolated event, but rather an extension of a long history of Iraqi talent moving to the Saudi league, which has always been a primary destination for the most prominent Iraqi football stars. Al-Zawraa Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Iraq, is a veritable goldmine of talent that has enriched Arab football. The transfer of one of its players to a club the size of Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia represents a significant step that reflects the quality of players produced by Iraqi football.

Expected impact on the sports scene

This deal is expected to have a multifaceted positive impact. Domestically in Iraq, it demonstrates the ability of Iraqi clubs to develop players with high professional standards. For Al-Nassr, signing Abdulkarim represents a significant addition to the squad, enhancing their competitiveness in both domestic and continental competitions. Regionally, this move reinforces the Saudi league's position as the strongest and most attractive league for talent in the region.

Regarding the player’s trip to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, Shenshul confirmed that the player’s agent accompanied him to arrange all financial and psychological matters, to ensure the player’s stability and prepare him to quickly engage in the training of his new team, noting that he was unaware of any of the player’s family members being with him in this initial stage of his new professional journey.

Recent press reports, citing reliable journalist Mateo Moretto, have revealed growing interest in young Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, a star player for Al-Hilal, with expectations of formal offers arriving during the upcoming summer transfer window. According to sources, Al-Hilal's management may seriously consider letting the player go if a suitable financial offer is received that meets the club's technical and financial expectations, potentially opening the door for his departure shortly after joining the "Leaders.".

Background to Leonardo's signing and context of the deal

Marcos Leonardo (21 years old) joined Al-Hilal during the January 2024 winter transfer window, arriving from Brazilian club Santos in a deal considered an investment for the future. His signing was part of the club's strategy to bolster its attacking options and provide a capable backup for first-choice Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, as well as to build a strong team capable of competing on all fronts for years to come. The player has shown impressive technical skills and a high scoring ability, contributing to 14 goals in 22 official matches for Al-Hilal – a respectable record for a young player who mostly features as a substitute.

The importance of the decision and its expected impact

This development comes at a crucial time for Al-Hilal, who are seeking to maintain their stability after an exceptional and historic season in which they achieved the domestic treble. The decision to sell Leonardo, if it goes ahead, will have multiple implications:

• On the local level: Some may see the departure of a promising talent like Leonardo as a technical loss to the team's depth, while the management may consider it a smart investment move to achieve a large financial profit from a player who was not a starter, and to use the financial return to strengthen other positions that may need greater reinforcement in preparation for the new season, which will witness strong participation locally, continentally and globally in the Club World Cup.
• On a regional and international level: Leonardo's potential move to one of Europe's top leagues could bolster the reputation of the Saudi Professional League (SPL) as a platform capable of attracting, developing, and showcasing young talent on the global stage. This would transform the league from merely a destination for players at the end of their careers into a crucial stepping stone for ambitious young players, thus increasing its international appeal.

Ultimately, the picture is expected to become clearer in the coming weeks with the official opening of the transfer window. Al-Hilal's final decision will depend on balancing the player's technical importance with potential financial gains, while also monitoring the moves of clubs interested in acquiring the talented Brazilian striker.

German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli, gave the team and its fans a huge morale boost after confirming that one of the team's key foreign players is fully fit and ready to participate in the upcoming match against Al-Ettifaq, in the nineteenth round of the Saudi Professional League. This news dispels any doubts surrounding the player's participation and confirms his inclusion in the coach's options for the match, which will be held at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam.

The context of the season and the importance of the player's return

Al-Ahli, newly promoted to the Saudi Professional League, is embarking on an exceptional season, aiming to reclaim its rightful place at the pinnacle of Saudi football. Following a massive summer transfer window, backed by the Public Investment Fund, the club has acquired a constellation of international stars, including Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Franck Kessié, and Édouard Mendy, raising ambitions for a title challenge. Each foreign player is a cornerstone of coach Jacek's squad, which relies on a system that demands the readiness of all its key players, particularly in attack. The return of the Brazilian striker, who occupies a vital position in the forward line, is a significant boost, providing the team with greater options and attacking prowess.

Expected impact at both the local and regional levels

The importance of this match extends beyond just the three points; it encompasses the fierce competition for top positions in the Roshan League standings, a league that has garnered global attention. A victory in such a direct encounter against a rival team like Al-Ettifaq, led by English coach Steven Gerrard, significantly boosts Al-Ahli's chances of securing a spot in next season's AFC Champions League, the club's strategic objective. Regionally, the performance of top Saudi teams, including Al-Ahli with its full complement of stars, reflects the league's new and promising image, enhancing its marketing value and competitiveness on the continental stage. The availability of all the team's key players guarantees a high level of performance befitting expectations and contributes to strengthening the Saudi league's global brand.

This preparation comes after Al Ahly's strong performance in their last match, as the team seeks to continue their positive run and remain in the fierce competition with the top clubs. All eyes are now on coach Yassela to see whether he will start the returning player from injury or keep him as a valuable substitute depending on the flow of the game.