Saud Abdulhamid’s Historic Move to AS Roma: A Game-Changer for Saudi Football

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RIYADH: In a landmark move for Saudi football, Saud Abdulhamid became the first Saudi player to join a club from a top European league permanently when he signed with Italy’s AS Roma in Serie A at the end of August. The transfer, reportedly worth $3 million, marks a significant milestone for the 24-year-old right-back, who left Al-Hilal for the opportunity to compete in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.

Now playing in the UEFA Champions League, Abdulhamid remains a standout figure for Saudi Arabia during a challenging phase for the national team. Following Thursday’s 0-0 draw with Australia, the Green Falcons sit third in their World Cup qualifying group, with hopes of automatic qualification still alive but requiring consistent performances.

The move to AS Roma was orchestrated by football agent Ahmed Almualim, who spoke to Arab News about the hurdles and sacrifices involved in securing the deal. Almualim described Abdulhamid’s transfer as a pivotal step for Saudi players seeking European opportunities, attributing its success to the growing global recognition of the Saudi Pro League (SPL).

"Without the recent development of the SPL and the influx of international stars, such a transfer would have been difficult," Almualim said. He revealed that Abdulhamid had offers from clubs like Rennes in France but chose Roma for the greater challenge.

Since joining Roma, Abdulhamid has been settling into Italian football culture, which is widely regarded as one of the toughest leagues in Europe. Despite starting on the bench, his international experience—including appearances in the World Cup and Asian Champions League—has prepared him for this transition.

The SPL's expansion has also benefited local agents like Almualim, who believe that the influx of top-tier international players and increased global visibility have paved the way for Saudi football’s evolution. "Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr was a turning point," he said. "It showed the world that the Saudi league is serious about its ambitions."

Abdulhamid’s historic transfer not only symbolizes a breakthrough for Saudi talent in Europe but also underscores the SPL’s growing influence in shaping the global football landscape.