Abderrazak Hamdallah, the prolific Moroccan striker, is set to leave Al-Ittihad and join Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Shabab. An agreement has been reached between the two clubs, marking the end of Hamdallah’s tenure with Al-Ittihad and the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
Following a challenging 2023-2024 season, Al-Ittihad, where renowned striker Karim Benzema also plays, has decided to make significant changes to its squad.
Despite Hamdallah’s impressive record of 67 goals and 8 assists in 84 appearances, the club has listed him among the players deemed surplus to requirements.
His contributions were pivotal in securing the Saudi Arabian championship title in 2023, but the club’s decision reflects a broader strategy to revamp the team.
Hamdallah’s career in the Saudi Pro League began in 2018 when he joined Al-Nassr from Al-Rayyan SC in Qatar. Over the years, he has established himself as one of the league’s top scorers.
His preference to remain in Saudi Arabia, despite offers from clubs in the United Arab Emirates, highlights his commitment to continuing his journey in a familiar environment.
Initially linked with a move to Al-Taawoun, another Saudi Pro League team, negotiations eventually broke down, paving the way for Al-Shabab to step in.
According to the Saudi daily Al Jazeera, the transfer agreement between Al-Ittihad and Al-Shabab has been finalized, and the official announcement is expected within the next two days.
Al-Shabab, which finished the 2023-2024 season in 8th place with 44 points, sees Hamdallah as a key addition to bolster their attacking options.
The club aims to improve its standings significantly in the upcoming season, and Hamdallah’s proven goal-scoring ability is anticipated to play a crucial role in achieving this objective.
The move to Al-Shabab marks Hamdallah’s seventh season in the Saudi Pro League. His journey began at Al-Nassr, where he quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional scoring prowess.
His success continued at Al-Ittihad, where he maintained a high level of performance despite the team’s overall struggles in the recent season.
Hamdallah’s transfer comes at a time when Al-Ittihad is undergoing significant restructuring.
The decision to let go of a player with such a formidable scoring record underscores the club’s commitment to rebuilding and striving for better results in the future.
For Al-Shabab, securing a player of Hamdallah’s caliber is a strategic move to enhance their competitiveness in the league.
As the transfer window progresses, Hamdallah’s move to Al-Shabab is poised to be one of the standout deals in Saudi football.
His experience, skill, and goal-scoring acumen will undoubtedly be assets to his new club, as they aim to climb the ranks in the Saudi Pro League.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this transfer impacts both Al-Shabab’s performance and Hamdallah’s illustrious career in Saudi Arabia.
