Al-Ettifaq in talks to take Al Nassr’s Haider Abdulkarim on loan

Iraqi midfielder Haider Abdulkarim is close to leaving Al Nassr after only a year at the Saudi club, with Al-Ettifaq reportedly negotiating a loan move for the remainder of the season.

The Iraqi sports channel Al Rabiaa Sports reported that Al-Ettifaq had opened discussions with Al Nassr over a temporary deal during the forthcoming winter transfer window.

Al Nassr are understood to support a loan rather than a permanent transfer, as they want the 22-year-old to gain regular first-team experience before returning to the club. Abdulkarim has made no appearances for Ange Postecoglou’s senior side this season.

A permanent departure is not the preferred option for Al Nassr for financial reasons. Al Zawraa are entitled to 15% of any future transfer fee under the terms agreed when Abdulkarim moved to the Saudi club in January.

The club would also face difficulties replacing him if he left permanently in the winter window because of the strict financial monitoring imposed on Al Nassr.

Abdulkarim joined Al Nassr from Iraqi club Al Zawraa in January for $500,000, with the agreement also including the 15% sell-on clause.

He was given opportunities in the second half of last season by former Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus, particularly in the AFC Champions League Two. The midfielder played six matches for the first team, totalling 186 minutes.

Five of those appearances came in the AFC Champions League Two, while the other was in the Roshn Saudi League. He did not score or provide an assist in those games.

Those opportunities disappeared after Postecoglou took charge. Abdulkarim has not played in the Roshn Saudi League, the King’s Cup or the AFC Champions League Elite during the current campaign.

Instead, his involvement has been limited to Al Nassr’s Under-21 side in the Jawy Elite League, the Saudi under-21 competition. He was among the team’s standout players during the second half of last season.

Al Nassr’s Under-21 team have struggled this season, sitting ninth in the table with 14 points from four wins, two draws and two defeats.

The senior team are in third place in the Roshn Saudi League with 28 points. They are two points behind leaders Al Hilal and level on points with second-placed Al-Qadsiah, who are ahead on goal difference.

A move to Al-Ettifaq would give Abdulkarim the chance to play more regularly while allowing Al Nassr to retain control of the player. The proposed arrangement reflects the club’s desire for him to return with greater experience rather than leave on a permanent basis.