In the pursuit to strengthen their squad, Al Shabab Club considers Egyptian international goalkeeper Mohamed Abu Jabal as a potential recruit, according to exclusive sources disclosed to Arriyadiyah.
The sources revealed that Abu Jabal is now among the top choices for Al Shabab to address the void in the goalkeeping position.
This necessity arose due to the injury of South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear while representing his national team in the ongoing 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar.
The management at Al Shabab has initiated efforts to secure the services of the 34-year-old Egyptian goalkeeper.
However, they anticipate finalizing the deal in the coming weeks, indicating the club’s desire not to rush the goalkeeping matter.
This cautious approach is particularly emphasized as the club still has the opportunity to register a replacement goalkeeper even after the closure of the winter transfer window.
This is in accordance with FIFA regulations, considering Kim’s persistent injury, preventing him from completing the season.
Abu Jabal will be under the scrutiny of Al Shabab as he guards the goal for his national team against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
This encounter marks the first start for the goalkeeper in the continental tournament, having remained on the substitute bench for two matches before coming on as a substitute in the third during the group stage due to Mohamed El-Shenawy’s injury.
It’s worth noting that Abu Jabal was close to joining the Saudi Professional League through Al Nassr two seasons ago following his standout performances in the 2022 African Cup of Nations.
However, the deal fell through despite signing with Al Nassr, as the club’s management preferred to acquire Colombian David Ospina.
This led to Abu Jabal filing a complaint with FIFA, concluding with an agreement between the parties involved.
