With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, Saudi football fans are turning their attention to what could be called the "leap rounds," as the Saudi Professional League teams embark on a grueling and crucial marathon starting next Thursday. The clubs will have to play three full rounds in just 7 to 9 days, in Ramadan evenings expected to be full of excitement and fierce competition, directly impacting the title race, depending on the varying difficulty of each team's matches.

The pressure of Asian participation and its impact on fitness

The challenge isn't limited to the domestic league; this pressure coincides with continental commitments. Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad all face crucial Asian Champions League matches midweek, which will determine their final group stage positions. Although Al-Hilal has already secured first place, everyone is eagerly awaiting the final round to learn who the national representatives will face in the Round of 16. Coaches are expected to rotate their squads to rest some players, but the pressure of consecutive matches remains a major concern for the coaching staff. The situation is similar for Al-Nassr, who will play the second leg of their Round of 16 match in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday evening, placing them under the same strain of fatigue and a congested schedule.

Map of confrontations: Who benefits and who is harmed?

Looking at the upcoming match schedule, clear discrepancies emerge that could reshape the top positions:

• Al-Qadisiyah (fourth): faces a schedule of progressive difficulty starting with Al-Akhdoud, then Al-Ettifaq, and finally Al-Taawon.
• Al-Ahli (third): Their path seems relatively clear with a match against Al-Najma, followed by matches against Damac and Al-Riyadh.
• Al-Nasr (second): It has a schedule that seems "easy" in theory, with Al-Hazm being hosted, then facing Al-Najma and Al-Fayha away from home.

Based on these factors, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli have a golden opportunity to add a full 9 points to their tally if things go according to plan. In contrast, Al-Hilal finds itself in a real predicament during these crucial rounds, starting with a fiery top-of-the-table clash at home against Al-Ittihad, followed by away matches against Al-Taawoun and Al-Shabab – a series of risky and unpredictable fixtures.

The Kingdom's Clasico: More than just three points

All eyes will be on the Kingdom Arena on Saturday evening for the highly anticipated derby between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. This match is crucial not only for the two teams themselves, but also for fans of Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsia. Any slip-up by Al-Hilal could revive their rivals' hopes of closing the gap and seizing the top spot. The game comes amidst a tense atmosphere and mixed emotions, especially after the dramatic events surrounding Karim Benzema's transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, and the ensuing media and fan reactions, which even bordered on veiled incitement on social media. Undoubtedly, the pitch will be the ultimate judge in this intense Ramadan football derby, which could very well reshape the league standings.

Long struggle

In conclusion, considering the current form, Al-Ahli as a team and Al-Nassr as individual players have a strong chance of competing for the title, followed by Al-Qadisiyah with its distinctive cohesion. However, Al-Hilal remains a formidable team that maintains its focus entirely on the pitch, making it a difficult task to wrest the lead from them. Whether these crucial rounds see stable standings or witness a flurry of musical chairs, the league title will ultimately go to the team with the most stamina, the one capable of overcoming challenges and difficulties solely on the field, far removed from the noise of the media platforms.

Saudi Pro League clubs have emerged as strong potential destinations for several top European football stars, most notably the talented Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy, ​​star of Borussia Dortmund's attack. Recent international press reports have revealed that the player has attracted the interest of major Saudi clubs, who are preparing to submit formal offers during the upcoming summer transfer window, a move that could represent a significant step forward in the player's professional career.

Details of the huge financial offer

According to Tuttomercato, a major Saudi Arabian club is preparing an irresistible financial offer to convince the 29-year-old striker to leave Signal Iduna Park. The offer reportedly includes a three-year contract with a massive annual salary of €20 million, a figure far exceeding his current earnings in the Bundesliga, making it a very attractive financial option for the player and his family.

Guerrasi's stance and the agents' movements

According to the widely circulated German newspaper Bild, Guirassy is not opposed to the idea of ​​moving to the Middle East and has even made the Saudi league a top priority for his next move. The report added that the player, in coordination with his brother who manages his affairs, has already made initial contact with Gulf clubs to explore available opportunities, although no formal agreement has been reached yet. This openness comes despite the player's previous statements affirming his satisfaction at Dortmund, but the development of the Saudi sports project has become a decisive factor in changing the minds of many stars.

The sporting context and the brilliance of Guerrasi

This growing interest in Guirassy stems from his impressive performances in the Bundesliga over the past two seasons. Guirassy was a prolific goalscorer for his former club, Stuttgart, where he was a strong contender for the top scorer title, prompting Borussia Dortmund to sign him in the summer of 2014 for €18 million. His current market value is estimated at around €40 million, reflecting his significant improvement in both his technical and physical abilities.

Penalty clause: key to the deal

The Guinean striker is under contract with Borussia Dortmund until 2028, but the contract includes a loophole that could facilitate his departure: a €50 million release clause. This clause could open the door for Saudi clubs to finalize the deal without entering into complex negotiations with Dortmund's management, should the Saudi club decide to activate the clause and pay the full amount. This transfer, if completed, would be a continuation of the policy of acquiring star players at the peak of their careers to enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi league on the global stage.