The New Boys: How Abha, Al Faisaly and Diriyah Club have settled in RSL
The ultra-competitive Roshn Saudi League is a tough league at the best of times, but for newly promoted sides it can be even more difficult as they adjust to life in the Kingdom's top flight.
From increased levels of competition, the packed schedule and the greater demands on squads, it can often take some time to find their feet.
So how are this season’s three new boys getting on? With two of them facing each other this week in Abha hosting Al Faisaly as the RSL resumes after it's lengthy break, there’s no better time to take a look.
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Diriyah Club
Story so far: The best performing of the three promoted sides, the RSL debutants have acquitted themselves well, winning three of their first seven to sit eighth in the table.
But given a host of their most high-profile signings didn’t arrive until late in the summer transfer window, we won’t presumably see their best until the league kikcs back into gear this week and beyond.
The manager: Bruno Lage was arguably Diriyah Club’s key recruit in the off-season, and so far, the experienced Portuguese manager has made an impressive start. His connection with Darwin Nunez could be his greatest weapon as the season unfolds.
Key Player: It’s hard to look past Darwin as being the man to lead the charge, and his move to Diriyah Club has seen a spike in performance, with three goals before the break and another two on international duty for Uruguay against South Korea.
Are we about to see the Darwin who won the English Premier League and more at Liverpool?
Where is improvement needed? This links back to Darwin again, because it would be in front of goal. Through the opening seven games Diriyah Club have seven goals, the lowest tally of any side in the top 10.
If they want to compete towards the top, where Al Hilal have netted 23 times, and Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah 16, it’s an issue Lage’s men must address.
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Al Faisaly
Story so far: It’s been a tough start to life back in the top flight for Al Faisaly, who are without a win in their opening seven fixtures, with only three draws to their name.
There is some mitigation, however, with four of those match coming against Al Hilal, Al Qadsiah, NEOM Sports Club and Al Ittihad - four of the current top five teams in the league.
The manager: Commendably, Al Faisaly stuck with Italian veteran Giovanni Solinas, who helped the club win promotion, and is remarkably in his fourth stint there dating back to 2013.
Solinas has preached patience, saying his side’s early struggles early because all players weren’t available for pre-season.
Key Player: Alexandre Mendy has an impressive goalscoring record at Ligue 2 level in his native France and could be crucial to turning around Al Faisaly’s fortunes - if he can find that golden touch.
He has a goal and assist already but will need to improve that output when the league resumes.
Where is improvement needed? The simple answer is everywhere. Solinas will be hoping these past few weeks on the training pitch will make up for not having all players around when preparing for the 2026-27 RSL.
So the big test will be to see how they get on against fellow strugglers Abha in Matchweek 8 on Sunday.
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Abha
Story so far: It’s been even tougher going for Abha, back in the top flight for the first time since 2023-24: they have picked up two points to lie last in the standings.
However, to their credit, one of those points came against Diriyah Club in a 0-0 draw in their final game before the break - by far their best result this season.
The manager: Like Al Faisaly, Abha persisted with the manager that got them promoted; in their case, Damir Buric.
The Croatian has lamented his team’s inability to convert chances across the opening seven games – they have only five goals - and said their performances have been better than their results.
Key Player: Their major summer recruit was Michy Batshuayi, but so far, the Belgian has failed to fire on-field, with a solitary goal in appearances, coming against Al Fayha.
With his experience and leadership qualities, the former Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Fenerbahce striker will be massive in Abha enhancing their efficiency in front of goal – and thus their chances of staying up.
Where is improvement needed? As noted, taking their chances. Abha have a similar number of shots (60) this season compared with Al Kholood (62), but a far inferior conversion rate and accuracy.
Al Kholood have scored 12 goals, Abha only five. That stat along helps explains why Al Kholood are seventh and Abha are rock bottom.
