Saudi international star Abdulrahman Ghareeb his silence to settle the controversy circulating in the Saudi sports scene, categorically denying the recent reports about him signing a contract to move to Al-Hilal, the traditional rival of his current club Al-Nassr.

In brief press statements, Gharib confirmed that his professional future has not yet been decided, explaining that the door to negotiations with the management of Al-Nasr Club is still open and in place, and that all options are available to him to study carefully before making the final decision that serves his professional career.

The context of rumors and fierce competition

These statements come at a highly sensitive time, as the Saudi Arabian transfer market is witnessing unprecedented activity. Transfers between Riyadh's two giants, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, have always been a focus of attention for fans and the media, given the long-standing and historic rivalry between the two clubs. Rumors of a potential move to Al-Hilal have sparked widespread concern among Al-Nassr fans, who consider the player a key pillar of their attacking lineup.

The artistic importance of Abdul Rahman Gharib

Abdulrahman Ghareeb is considered one of the most prominent local talents in the Saudi Professional League. Since his rise to prominence with his former club Al-Ahli, and later his move to Al-Nassr, he has proven his worth as a modern winger characterized by speed, exceptional dribbling skills, and playmaking abilities. The issue of renewing his contract or transferring him is of paramount importance, not only at the club level but also for the Saudi national team, as the Green Falcons rely heavily on the readiness of their professional players for upcoming international competitions.

The impact of the anticipated decision on the transfer market

Abdulrahman Ghareeb's final decision, whether to stay at Al-Ahli or embark on a new adventure, will have a significant impact on the Saudi transfer market. With Saudi clubs attracting the brightest stars in world football, the value of talented local players who can secure a starting position and compete with foreign professionals is increasing. Therefore, Al-Nassr's decision to retain the player is a strategic move to maintain team stability, while Al-Hilal and other top clubs are watching closely for any opportunity that might allow them to acquire Ghareeb's services.

In conclusion, the situation remains unclear until an official announcement is made, but Ghareeb’s recent statement has given Al-Nasr fans a dose of reassurance that the player has not turned his back on the club, and that negotiations are underway to reach a mutually agreeable formula that satisfies all parties.

Al-Ittihad's Portuguese manager, Sergio Conceição, has made a tactical decision aimed at maintaining the players' fitness and preventing fatigue. He has decided to give the team a day off from training this Wednesday evening. This decision comes as a strategic move to allow the players to rest before beginning the demanding preparations for tomorrow's match against their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal, in anticipation of the highly anticipated derby.

Al-Ittihad enters the Clasico with sky-high morale, buoyed by their resounding victory on Tuesday night against Qatari side Al-Sadd on their home turf. The "Dean" (Al-Ittihad) thrashed their hosts 4-1 in the final group stage match of the AFC Champions League, a win that confirmed the team's attacking prowess and their ability to handle high-stakes away matches.

Al-Ittihad is scheduled to begin its actual and tactical preparations for the "Clásico" match on Thursday evening, when it will be a formidable guest against Al-Hilal at 10:00 PM on Saturday, as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. This match carries special significance that goes beyond just the three points, given the long-standing and historic rivalry between the two giants of Saudi football.

In terms of the league standings, Al-Ittihad faces a significant challenge to improve its position. Before this match, the team sits in sixth place with 37 points, a position unbecoming of the club's history and the aspirations of its large fan base. This places additional pressure on coach Conceição to achieve a positive result. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal is enjoying its best form, sitting comfortably atop the league table with 53 points. This makes the task difficult, but not impossible, for Al-Ittihad, eager to appease its fans and halt Al-Hilal's winning streak.

Sports fans in the Kingdom and abroad are eagerly awaiting this encounter, as the Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal classic is a prestigious showcase for Saudi football, and it usually witnesses high excitement and competitiveness regardless of the points differences or the two teams' ranking in the league, which makes Conceição's decision to rest the players a pivotal step to ensure full physical and mental readiness to engage in this football battle.

The eyes of Gulf football fans are turning towards a heavyweight clash, as the Saudi Al-Shabab team awaits a strong and decisive encounter against their Iraqi counterpart Zakho in the semi-finals of the Gulf Champions League for Clubs, a tournament that witnesses fierce competition to seize the prestigious regional title.

The dates for the two decisive matches have been officially confirmed. Al-Shabab is scheduled to host Zakho in the first leg on March 3 in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, while Al-Laith will be a heavy guest on Iraqi soil on the 10th of the same month to play the second leg, which will determine who qualifies for the final.

A historic qualification scenario for Al-Laith Al-Shabab

Al-Shabab's path to the semi-finals was anything but ordinary; it was crowned with a historic result that will forever be etched in memory. The team secured its qualification after achieving a resounding and historic 13-0 victory over Yemen's Al-Tadhamon Hadramout on Tuesday evening, in the final match of the group stage. This crushing victory not only granted the team passage but also sent a strong warning to all its rivals about the team's formidable attacking prowess.

This resounding victory lifted Al Shabab to seven points, securing second place in their group. They finished ahead of Oman's Al Nahda, who also had seven points, on goal difference, while Al Rayyan of Qatar topped the group. The goal difference from the match against Tadamun Hadramout proved decisive in determining second place and ensuring Al Shabab's continued participation in the tournament.

The importance of the tournament and its regional dimension

The Gulf Champions League is gaining increasing importance in its current edition, serving as an ideal platform for Gulf clubs to showcase their abilities and develop their technical skills by competing against different footballing styles in the region. For Al-Shabab, this tournament represents a golden opportunity to add another international title to its collection and reaffirm Saudi Arabia's dominance in regional football, especially given the significant support the sport receives in the Kingdom.

On the other hand, Zakho represents the aspirations of Iraqi football, and a massive crowd is expected for the return leg in Iraq, given the immense passion of the Iraqi fans, which will undoubtedly create a thrilling and exciting atmosphere for the semi-final. This encounter will be a true test of the technical and physical capabilities of both teams, as each seeks to impose its style of play and reach the coveted final.