Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah rejects Qatari move to stay in Saudi Arabia

Abderrazak Hamdallah has turned down the opportunity to leave Saudi Arabia for a Qatari club, opting instead to remain in the Saudi Pro League as he weighs up offers from domestic sides.

The Moroccan international is set to depart Al-Shabab after being informed by the club’s new Spanish manager that he is not part of his plans for the upcoming season. Hamdallah is currently reviewing offers, with his brother, who also serves as his agent, overseeing negotiations.

Al-Fateh, where fellow Moroccan international Mourad Batna plays, has expressed interest in signing the 33-year-old forward, while Al-Taawoun has also submitted a formal proposal. With the Saudi summer transfer window closing on Thursday, 11 September, Hamdallah is expected to choose between the two clubs unless a late offer emerges.

Despite receiving a lucrative proposal from a Qatari side, Hamdallah has declined the move, prioritising his ambitions in Saudi football over financial gain. According to Le Site Info, the striker is determined to remain in the Saudi Pro League as he continues his pursuit of becoming the competition’s all-time leading foreign goalscorer.

Currently, Syrian forward Omar Al-Somah leads the foreign scoring charts with 154 goals over 11 seasons, achieved during spells with Al-Ahli and Al-Orouba before his recent transfer to Al-Hazm. Hamdallah sits second with 150 goals, having played fewer matches across seven seasons with Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad and most recently Al-Shabab.

The decision to reject a move abroad underscores Hamdallah’s determination to leave a lasting mark on Saudi football, with the prolific striker now closing in on one of the league’s most significant records. His impending choice between Al-Fateh and Al-Taawoun could shape the next chapter of his career as he continues to compete at the top level in a league where he has built his reputation as one of its deadliest finishers.

For Al-Shabab, Hamdallah’s departure marks the end of a brief spell with the club, as they move forward under their newly appointed Spanish coach. For the player, however, the focus remains firmly on adding to his already impressive tally and surpassing Al-Somah’s record, cementing his place in Saudi football history.

With time ticking down before the transfer deadline, Hamdallah’s next destination will soon be confirmed, but his refusal to leave the Saudi Pro League makes clear that his ambitions extend beyond financial incentives, as he continues his chase for a record that could define his legacy.