Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa Exploring a Move for Al Hilal’s Saud Abdulhamid, But No Official Club-to-Club Talks Yet
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are looking to dip into the Saudi Pro League market to bolster their defense. The English Premier League sides are reportedly exploring a move for Saud Abdulhamid who plays right back for Al Hilal.
The movement of players between top European leagues and the Saudi Pro League, but it looks like improving the level of competition in the league is raising the game of local players to the point of attracting the interest of European scouts. Saud Abdulhamid might be the start of a symbiotic relationship between the Saudi Pro League and the top leagues in Europe should either of his suitors manage to get the deal over the line.
The full back is currently entering the final year of his deal at Al Hilal, and both parties will be assessing their options. He came through the ranks at Al Ittihad, where he played for their youth team before making the switch to Al Hilal in 2022. The 25-year-old has been exceptional for the league leaders and is considered the best right back in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Hilal understand the importance of Saud to the team and plan to enter into talks about a contract extension. Ligue 1 side Toulouse previously approached Saud’s entourage but backed off after getting indications that Al Hilal would not be open to letting their star defender go.
Nottingham Forest are also exploring other options in case a move for Saud fails. Aston Villa retain a strong interest but are yet to approach Al Hilal for talks over a possible transfer. They have, however, made contact with the player’s entourage, and given that they have not ruled out a move, it is possible Saud Abdulhamid is keen on the transfer.
