Ala Zhir: Dual-nationality centre-back leaves Al-Wahda and becomes free agent after contract expires

United Arab Emirates–Tunisia centre-back Ala Zhir has officially left Al-Wahda and is now a free agent, with the defender’s registration moving to “Without Club” following the expiry of his contract. The transfer was completed on 2026-07-01, with no transfer fee involved and his departure recorded as a free move despite a current market valuation of €2.00m.

Zhir’s exit brings an end to his spell with Al-Wahda in the UAE Pro League and places the 26-year-old at a pivotal point in his career. Now unattached, he is free to negotiate with interested sides without a transfer fee, a situation that could open doors both within the region and abroad. His contractual status confirms he is no longer tied to the Abu Dhabi club or any other employer, and his new designation as “Without Club” underlines his availability on the market.

Born in Monastir and standing at 1.89m, Zhir offers a classic profile for a modern centre-back: tall, right-footed, and primarily deployed in the heart of defence. His main position is listed as defender – centre-back, and his physical attributes and age suggest he is entering what should be the prime years of his career. Holding dual nationality with the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia, he is eligible to represent either country at international level, although he is not currently listed with any national team.

At Al-Wahda, Zhir competed in the UAE Pro League, gaining experience in a competition that has continued to grow in profile and competitiveness. While full appearance and performance statistics are not provided in the available data, his sustained presence at a leading Emirati club, combined with a market valuation of €2.00m, indicates he was regarded as a defender of significant potential and value within the league structure.

His move to free agency also has implications beyond domestic football. As a player no longer contracted to a UAE club, Zhir is now in a position to explore opportunities in new environments and competitions, including leagues outside his home footballing landscape. With his league status now recorded as “N/A” and club as “Without Club”, there is no structural barrier to him moving into a different football market should a suitable offer arrive.

Zhir’s profile – dual-national, still relatively young, experienced in top-flight UAE football, and available without a transfer fee – is likely to appeal to clubs seeking cost-effective defensive reinforcement. His next contract, whenever and wherever it is signed, will shape the next phase of his career and determine whether his potential is realised domestically in the Gulf region or on a broader international stage as he looks to convert free-agent status into a fresh platform for progress.