Saudi signings to shine: The locals out to make mark at new clubs
With the Saudi Arabia national team squarely in focus, with the Arabian Gulf Cup final on Tuesday night in Jeddah and the upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup just around the corner, never has it been more important for local players to be playing regularly at club level to impress manager Georgios Donis.
The Roshn Saudi League summer transfer window saw a host of our homegrown stars change clubs in search for fresh opportunities.
Here we highlight seven who have impressed so far at their new homes.
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Faris Abdi - Al Ittihad
The 27-year-old, born in San Diego, made the move from NEOM Sports Club and it has been one that has paid off handsomely for the left-back.
Abdi has locked down a position in the Al Ittihad back four under Jens Wissing, starting all seven RSL games, as the 2024-25 champions have started the season in impressive form.
Heading into this week’s RSL resumption with a mouthwatering Saudi Clasico, Al Ittihad sit second in the table as one the 2026-27 league’s last remaining unbeaten side.
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Mohammad Mahzari - Al Hilal
Joining from Al Taawoun, the arrival of the 24-year-old flew a little under the radar compared to the other big-name arrivals at Al Hilal.
However, Mahzari has proved an astute signing so far and been a mainstay of Simone Inzaghi’s side over the opening seven rounds of the season.
The right-back’s impact is emphasised in him making the RSL Team of the Week for his impressive performance against his old side last time out, in Matchweek 7.
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Abdulaziz Al Elewa - Al Qadsiah
One of the standout players of last season, winning the league’s Best Young Player award, the 22-year-old made the major move from Al Kholood to Al Qadsiah, where he now gets to work under the guidance of renowned manager Brendan Rodgers.
While Al Elewa has featured only twice for his new side thus far, he is sure to be one to watch - just look at his incredible impact throughout 2025-26.
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Khalil Al Absi - NEOM SC
The Tabuk side were big movers in the transfer window for a number of Saudi players.
However, one who has made arguably the greatest contribution so far has been 25-year-old Al Absi, who arrived from Al Riyadh.
Already with two assists, the forward has cemented a place in Christophe Gaultier’s in-form best XI and helped them to an improved start to the season. NEOM SC sit fifth.
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Abdulrahman Al Obud - Al Shabab
Al Shabab were clearly in the market for experience in the summer transfer market - and they couldn’t have done much better than 31-year-old midfielder Al Obud.
Twice a winner of the RSL with Al Ittihad, it was only two seasons ago that he played a leading role in the Jeddah giants’ title success with seven goals.
That type of track record will therefore be invaluable for Al Shabab as they look to turn around their fortunes. Currently, the capital club languish in 14th, without a win through their opening seven RSL fixtures.
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Mohammed Al Qahtani - Al Qadsiah
Having shown his potential at times but struggled to establish himself as a regular at Al Hilal, the 24-year-old joined Al Qadsiah looking for fresh opportunities.
To his credit, especially among a stacked squad in Al Khobar, Al Qahtani has already made an impact, albeit largely off the bench; he has a goal and an assist, the former coming in the thrilling 3-3 draw in the Eastern Derby with local rivals Al Ettifaq.
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Abdulbasit Hindi - Abha
OK, so the centre-back’s transfer to Abha hasn’t resulted in a winning start for his new side, who unfortunately sit at the foot of the table.
That said, Hindi’s standout performance came just before the international break, when he shackled Diriyah Club’s star-studded attack, displaying the experience and quality he can bring to the promoted club.
Now 29, the former Al Ahli defender knows what it takes to play at the highest level, and that big-game knowhow could be exactly what Abha to flip their form.
