Al Ittihad, the reigning champions of the Roshn Saudi League, has made a significant move by loaning Saudi internationals Faisal Al Ghamdi and Marwan Al Sahafi to Belgian Pro League side Beerschot for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This decision comes in the wake of Saud Abdulhamid’s transfer from Al Hilal to AS Roma, indicating a rising trend of Saudi players venturing into European football. In a press release, Al Ittihad highlighted the loan as part of their strategy to nurture young talent and foster their development, ultimately benefiting both the club and Saudi sports as a whole.
Faisal Al Ghamdi, 23, kickstarted his professional career with Al Ettifaq before moving to Al Ittihad last season. With 18 appearances under his belt, he was recognized as the Young Player of the Month in the Roshn Saudi League. Al Ghamdi also made his mark on the international stage by scoring his first goal for Saudi Arabia during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. On the other hand, Marwan Al Sahafi, 20, made his debut for Al Ittihad in 2022 and has since accumulated 27 league appearances, scoring twice. His impressive performances earned him his first international cap in June 2024 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The transfer to Beerschot presents an exciting opportunity for both Al Ghamdi and Al Sahafi as they join a club that recently secured a promotion to the Belgian top flight. Managed by Dirk Kuyt, the former Dutch international and Liverpool star, Beerschot is known for its emphasis on youth development. Kuyt expressed his delight in acquiring the Saudi talents, citing their technical prowess and potential to excel in the Dutch system. With a focus on nurturing young players, Beerschot provides an ideal environment for the duo to further hone their skills and make a lasting impact in European football.
The loan of Al Ghamdi and Al Sahafi signifies a broader trend of Saudi players seeking opportunities in top European leagues, showcasing the increasing quality of football talent emerging from the Kingdom. This strategic move by Al Ittihad aligns with the club’s commitment to developing young players and promoting their growth on a global stage. As Saudi football continues to gain recognition and respect on an international level, collaborations like these serve as stepping stones for aspiring players to gain invaluable experiences and showcase their abilities to a wider audience.
With Al Ghamdi and Al Sahafi set to embark on their European adventure with Beerschot, they represent the future of Saudi football and potential trailblazers for the next generation of players. Their success abroad not only reflects positively on Saudi sports but also opens doors for other aspiring footballers to follow in their footsteps. As they immerse themselves in a new footballing culture and face new challenges in the Belgian Pro League, the Saudi talents have the opportunity to prove their worth and establish themselves as key players in the global football landscape. The loan move to Beerschot represents a pivotal moment in their careers, paving the way for future achievements and contributing to the ongoing growth and development of Saudi football on a broader scale.
