Nidhal Ben Salem makes Saudi switch as Al-Gottah FC sign Tunisia winger

Tunisia winger Nidhal Ben Salem has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Gottah FC from Al-Shoulla, completing his move on 4 September 2026.

The 30-year-old plays primarily as a left winger and changes clubs after one season with Al-Shoulla. He joined that side from Murooj on a free transfer on 27 September 2025, continuing a career that has included spells in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Libya.

Ben Salem began his senior career with Olympique Kef after coming through Esperance de Tunis Under-21s. He moved to AS Rejiche in July 2019 before switching to Stade Tunisien three years later, also on a free transfer. His subsequent career took him to Bisha FC, US Tataouine and Murooj before his move to Al-Shoulla.

His recorded career appearances include 58 in Ligue 1, where he scored 10 goals and provided two assists. He also made six appearances in the Tunisian Cup, scoring once, and featured in the Ligue I Pro Playout, relegation play-offs and Ligue I Pro Playoff II. In the latter competition, he scored once in one appearance. His career record also includes one appearance in the Libyan Premier League.

Ben Salem has spent the most substantial part of his recorded career in Tunisian football, with his move to Al-Gottah representing another step in his experience of playing outside the country. His previous Saudi clubs include Bisha FC, where he arrived from Stade Tunisien in July 2023, and Al-Shoulla, whom he joined after his spell at Murooj.

The move to Al-Gottah comes at the start of the 2026-27 season and follows Ben Salem’s year at Al-Shoulla. He now adds another Saudi club to a playing history that has also taken him through several Tunisian sides and a spell with Libya’s Murooj.

Ben Salem’s transfer from Al-Shoulla to Al-Gottah FC was completed on 4 September 2026.