Abdallah Sima? No – Saudi side Al-Faisaly sign Senegal World Cup defender Abdallah Seck after Maccabi Haifa exit

Al-Faisaly have moved to bolster their defence for their first season back in the Saudi Pro League by signing Senegal international centre-back Abdallah Seck on a free transfer.

The 34-year-old joins the promoted club after the expiry of his contract with Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa and has signed a one-year deal.

Al-Faisaly announced the transfer across their social media platforms with a strongly worded welcome message, describing their new signing as: “الصخرة المنيعة.. قوة لا تكسر وحضور لا يقهر” – “an impregnable rock… an unbreakable force and an unstoppable presence”.

The Saudi side did not disclose financial details of the agreement.

Third foreign signing for promoted Al-Faisaly

Seck becomes Al-Faisaly’s third foreign acquisition of the summer window as the club attempts to quickly assemble a squad capable of competing in the top flight.

He follows Cameroon international forward Christian Bassogog and French attacker Alexandre Mendy in joining the club since promotion was secured.

Al-Faisaly, who have just returned to the Saudi Pro League, are seeking experienced players with international pedigree to stabilise the team in what is expected to be a highly competitive season.

The signing of Seck, a seasoned defender with both European and World Cup experience, is seen as a key part of that strategy.

Medical in Slovenia before deal completed

The deal had been anticipated for several days.

Local sports daily Arriyadiyah reported earlier in the week that the Senegalese defender had undergone a medical before putting pen to paper with Al-Faisaly.

The player had travelled to the club’s pre-season training camp in Slovenia on Sunday, where he completed his tests and finalised personal terms before the transfer was made official.

The move ends Seck’s spell with Maccabi Haifa, where he had been part of a side regularly competing for domestic honours and appearing in European competitions.

European pedigree and international experience

Over the course of his career, Seck has played for a number of clubs across Europe, including Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp, building a reputation as a physically imposing and tactically disciplined central defender.

On the international stage, he has been capped 32 times for Senegal.

His most notable recent performance for the national team came at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored in a 5-0 win over Iraq in the group stage, a result that underlined the strength of the “Lions of Teranga” during the tournament.

That World Cup exposure, combined with his club experience at a high level, is expected to provide Al-Faisaly with leadership at the back and a calming influence in high-pressure situations.

Building for survival in the Saudi Pro League

Al-Faisaly’s recruitment of experienced foreign players mirrors a broader trend in the Saudi Pro League, where clubs are looking to blend international quality with local talent.

For a newly promoted side, defensive solidity is likely to be a priority, and Seck’s arrival suggests the club are intent on tightening up at the back as they prepare for life among the country’s elite teams.

With pre-season already under way in Slovenia, Seck will now aim to integrate quickly into the squad, stake his claim for a starting spot and help Al-Faisaly lay the foundations for a successful return to the top division.