Al Hazem recruit Algeria international Sofiane Bendebka ahead of new Saudi Pro League season

Al Hazem have confirmed the signing of Algeria international Sofiane Bendebka, who joins the Saudi Pro League club after leaving Al Fateh at the end of his contract.

The 33-year-old midfielder has signed on a free transfer as Al Hazem look to add experience and authority to their squad before the start of the new season.

Bendebka’s move was announced on Al Hazem’s social media channels, confirming a deal first reported by Africafoot several days ago. The signing ceremony took place at the club’s training camp in Tabarka, Tunisia, in the presence of Talal Al Abalan, chairman of Al Hazem’s board of directors.

Africafoot had previously reported that advanced negotiations were taking place between Bendebka and the Saudi club before the agreement was formally completed.

The transfer brings Bendebka back into the Saudi Pro League after a successful six-season spell with Al Fateh. He joined the club in 2019 from MC Alger and quickly established himself as an important member of the team.

During his time with Al Fateh, Bendebka made 187 appearances, scoring 48 goals and providing 24 assists. Those figures underline his attacking contribution from midfield, where he combined a strong physical presence with the ability to influence matches in the final third.

His versatility and experience are expected to strengthen an Al Hazem midfield that the club wanted to reinforce with a player capable of providing both stability and leadership. Bendebka’s arrival is part of a wider recruitment plan designed to build a competitive squad for the forthcoming Saudi Pro League campaign.

Al Hazem’s new signing is the club’s fourth foreign recruit of the summer transfer window. He follows the arrivals of Guinea international Mory Konate, Tunisia’s Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida and Rwanda international Bonheur Mugisha.

The club’s recruitment strategy reflects its intention to improve the squad before the new season, with Bendebka bringing extensive knowledge of Saudi football after six years with Al Fateh.

His move also marks the next stage of a career that has included a lengthy period in the Saudi Pro League and international recognition with Algeria. Al Hazem will now hope his experience, physical strength and leadership can help provide greater balance in midfield as they prepare for the campaign ahead.