Mohamed Mansour Camara has taken his first step into professional football after completing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Kholood following a successful trial period.
The young Guinean central defender, who came through the SOAR Academy, signed a three-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2029.
Al Kholood moved quickly once club officials became convinced by his potential and athletic profile, opening a new chapter in the career of one of Guinea’s emerging talents.
Camara attracted attention after months of close monitoring, and his performances during trials removed any remaining doubts.
His representatives described the agreement as a major turning point, underlining how sustained development and patience finally led to a concrete opportunity at the highest domestic level.
SOAR Academy founding president Almamy Saidou Sylla welcomed the move as a landmark moment for both the player and the academy.
He stressed that the contract reflected years of structured work and long-term planning rather than chance.
“This signing means everything for Mohamed Mansour Camara,” Sylla said. “He enters the professional world at the top level, and for us it confirms the value of our training project and career guidance.”
The transfer also carries wider significance. Few African players of Camara’s age secure a direct move from the continent to a top-flight league without first passing through Europe or another intermediate market.
His path highlights a growing belief in African-based development when clubs commit to clear planning and ambition.
Camara wasted no time making an impression. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, he made his league debut for Al Kholood and delivered a composed full-match performance against experienced opponents, including Vincent Aboubakar Bassogog.
The appearance reinforced the club’s confidence and validated the decision to trust him immediately.
Interest in Camara had grown after strong displays at scouting tournaments in Conakry and later at the GFI Cup.
Several European clubs followed his progress, but Al Kholood presented the most convincing proposal.
The Saudi club engaged directly, reviewed detailed footage, visited Conakry, observed training sessions, and held extensive discussions with SOAR staff.
Sylla explained that clarity made the difference. Al Kholood outlined a structured sporting project that matched Camara’s development needs and offered real opportunities rather than vague promises.
Camara now aims to establish himself as a regular starter and continue his progression with a long-term ambition of representing Guinea at international level.
Discipline, humility, and consistency remain central to his mindset as he begins life in Saudi Arabia.
For SOAR Academy, the move signals more than a single transfer. It confirms the academy’s growing credibility and strengthens a pathway that could open doors for future talents prepared to follow the same demanding route.
