Al Shabab re-sign Ali Al-Bulaihi after defender leaves Al Hilal

Al Shabab have re-signed Saudi Arabia defender Ali Al-Bulaihi on a one-season contract after his departure from Al Hilal.

Al Hilal confirmed that the player’s contract had been terminated, with Prince Alwaleed bin Talal covering the value of the financial settlement required to end the agreement.

Al Shabab subsequently announced that Al-Bulaihi had returned to the club, where he spent the second half of last season on loan. The new deal will keep the defender at Al Shabab for one season.

The move brings Al-Bulaihi back to the club after he left Al Hilal following eight and a half seasons with the Riyadh-based side. He made 263 appearances for Al Hilal during that period, scoring 23 goals and providing three assists.

His spell included a highly successful run of domestic and continental honours. Al-Bulaihi helped Al Hilal win five league titles, three King’s Cup trophies and three Saudi Super Cup trophies. He also played a part in two AFC Champions League triumphs.

Al-Bulaihi joined Al Shabab on loan in January last season. His return to the club became possible after Al Hilal ended their contractual relationship with him.

The defender had been left out of Al Hilal’s preparations for the new season by manager Simone Inzaghi. That decision preceded the end of his time with the club and his permanent move back to Al Shabab.

Al-Bulaihi’s previous period at Al Shabab came before his long association with Al Hilal, where he established himself as an important member of the squad and collected a series of major honours.

During his time at Al Hilal, he made more than 260 appearances across competitions and contributed both defensively and in attack. His 23 goals included a notable scoring record for a defender, while his three assists added to his overall contribution.

His return to Al Shabab means the club have secured the services of a player already familiar with their squad after his loan spell last season. The agreement is for one campaign, following the conclusion of his contract with Al Hilal.

Al Hilal’s decision to end the deal was announced after Prince Alwaleed bin Talal paid the value of the financial settlement. Al Shabab then confirmed the signing of the defender for a further season.

The transfer completes Al-Bulaihi’s return to the club and ends his eight-and-a-half-season association with Al Hilal, during which he won five league titles, three King’s Cups, three Saudi Super Cups and two AFC Champions League titles.