Informed sources within Al-Ettifaq Club the real obstacles preventing the completion of the contract renewal process with veteran Dutch star Georginio Wijnaldum , despite the player entering the free period of his contract and his mutual desire with the club to continue within the ranks of "Faris Al-Dahna".

Sources explained in exclusive statements to Al-Midan on Thursday that the main obstacle lies in the purely financial aspect; the annual contract of the Dutch player amounts to about 9 million euros , which is a huge sum equivalent to almost three-quarters of the club’s annual budget, making it impossible for the Al-Ettifaq management to bear this cost from its own budget without external support.

The role of the recruitment and financial sustainability committee

Sources confirmed that the renewal scenario will only succeed if the player's salary is included under the purview of the recruitment committee , just as it was in the previous contract. Al-Ettifaq officials have already finalized all preliminary agreements and contractual details with the 35-year-old player, but the official signing is still pending approval from the sustainability committee .

The Al-Ettifaq sports community is in a state of anticipation, as the club's management has not yet received a final response, at a time when the international midfielder's contract is nearing its end, which increases the difficulty of the situation and threatens the stability of the technical team, especially since Wijnaldum is considered one of the main pillars in the club's project.

Wijnaldum's career and statistics with Al-Ettifaq

Looking back, Al-Ettifaq club had succeeded in securing the services of the Dutch star during the summer transfer window of the 2023/2024 season, coming from the French football giant Paris Saint-Germain , in a deal that reflected the club’s ambition to compete strongly in the Saudi Professional League.

Since joining, Wijnaldum has proven his immense value, with statistics clearly demonstrating his direct impact on the team's results. This season alone, he has participated in 21 matches, scoring 12 goals and providing 4 assists in 1853 minutes of play. Overall, he has played 88 matches for Al-Ettifaq, contributing to 47 goals (33 goals and 14 assists), making him one of the most successful foreign signings in the club's recent history.

These developments come at a sensitive time in the season, as Al-Ittifaq seeks to maintain its core squad to ensure technical stability and compete for top positions, while awaiting a solution to the financial dilemma that could jeopardize the continued presence of its Dutch captain.

Saudi football fans will be glued to their screens tomorrow evening, Friday, as Al-Qadisiyah travels to Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Najran to face Al-Akhdoud in a crucial match in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. This game comes at a critical juncture for both teams, whose ambitions differ between securing a top-flight status and battling to avoid relegation.

Al-Qadisiyah enters the match with its sights set on nothing less than three points, aiming to continue its strong performances this season and solidify its place in the top four. The Eastern Province team currently sits fourth in the standings with 47 points, accumulated from a remarkable run that includes 14 wins and five draws, suffering only two defeats. The Al-Qadisiyah players are well aware that any slip-up could jeopardize their ambitions of competing for continental qualification spots, especially after the dramatic turn of events in the last round when they snatched a last-gasp victory against Neom, compensating for their previous draw against Al-Fateh.

On the other hand, Al-Akhdoud finds itself in a precarious position, languishing in 17th place (second to last) with a mere 10 points. The team is suffering a sharp decline in results, having failed to secure a victory in its last seven matches since its sole win against Al-Kholoud, most recently suffering a defeat against Al-Hazm. Despite the daunting task against a star-studded Al-Qadisiyah side, Al-Akhdoud will rely on home advantage and the support of its fans, hoping to replicate the performance of the first leg and achieve a positive result that will revive its hopes of remaining in the top flight.

Historically, the two teams have met three times in the Professional League, with Al-Qadisiyah holding the advantage with a single 2-0 victory, while the other two matches ended in goalless draws. This suggests that Al-Akhdoud can sometimes prove a formidable defensive opponent. The match carries particular significance due to its direct impact on the league standings, both at the top and bottom, making it a fiercely competitive affair that transcends the mere three-pointer.

On the technical front, Al-Qadisiyah relies on a squad of international and local stars who have made a difference this season, led by the reliable Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels and Spanish defensive leader Nacho Fernandez, along with German Julian Weigl and Uruguayan Nahitan Nandez in midfield. In attack, the Mexican Julian Quignoni and the Italian Matteo Rettigny stand out, supported by young local talents such as Musab Al-Juwair, Jihad Zikri, and Mohammed Abu Shamat.

In contrast, Al-Akhdoud is relying on its foreign professionals to try and pull off an upset, most notably Norwegian Tokmac Nguyen, Brazilian Samuel Lima, Colombian Juan Pedroza, Cameroonian Christian Bassogog and his compatriot Ivan Nio, and Togolese Khaled Nari. These players will have to give their all to halt Al-Qadsia's advance and try to salvage their team's season before it's too late.

The technical staff of the Saudi Al-Ahli team received a huge moral and technical boost hours before their anticipated match against Al-Najma, after it was definitively confirmed that the team’s main pillars, Senegalese goalkeeper Edward Mendy and Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie, are ready to participate as starters during the match.

The duo participated actively in Wednesday evening's training session, demonstrating full physical and technical readiness to face Al-Najma, thus marking their return from injury. This comes at an ideal time for the team, nicknamed "Al-Raqui," especially after their absence from the crucial AFC Champions League group stage match against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, an absence that significantly impacted the coach's tactical options.

Al-Ahli vs. Al-Najma match date and team standings

Al-Ahli is scheduled to host Al-Najma at 10:00 PM tonight, Thursday, in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. Al-Ahli enters the match aiming for three points to solidify its position in the top four. Before the game, the team sits in third place in the standings with 50 points, accumulated from a series of victories and an upward trajectory in performance that it seeks to continue tonight.

In contrast, Al-Najma team is in an unenviable situation, as it is at the bottom of the competition table with only (8) points, which makes the match a lifeline to try to escape the specter of relegation, which may make the encounter a trap despite the large technical differences between the two sides.

The importance of Kessie and Mendy's return to tactical balance

The return of Franck Kessié is of paramount importance to Al Ahly's midfield, as the Ivorian player is the lifeblood of the team, thanks to his exceptional ability to win back possession, link up play between the lines, and contribute significantly to the attack. Kessié's absence usually leaves a void in the heart of the pitch, and his return today means the team regains its defensive solidity and its ability to control the midfield.

On the other hand, Edouard Mendy represents a safety valve in goal. The Senegalese goalkeeper, a former international award winner, provides the defense with great confidence and constant guidance, and his return is crucial to ensuring a clean sheet in a match where the opponent might rely on swift counter-attacks.

The competitive context and the expectations of the fans

This match comes at a crucial juncture in the league, as the battle for continental qualification spots and the title race intensifies. Al-Ahli fans are counting on a full squad to maintain pressure on the league leaders and runners-up. The Al-Najma match presents an ideal opportunity to secure all three points, given the disparity in resources. However, the world of football only recognizes the effort exerted on the pitch, a fact well understood by Al-Ahli's players, who are determined to avoid any surprises that could derail their successful season.