In a strategic move to strengthen the ranks of the first football team, Al-Hilal Saudi Club announced the official signing of the young French player Simon Bouabrie , coming from the ranks of Neom Club, during the current winter transfer period, thus cutting off the path for competitors and securing the services of one of the most prominent rising talents in the Saudi stadiums.
Contract details and official statement
In an official statement published on its website and social media platforms, the club revealed details of the deal, which is part of its future plans. The statement read: "The board of directors of Al Hilal Club, chaired by His Highness Prince Nawaf bin Saad, has finalized the signing of French midfielder Simon Bouabre to Al Hilal's first football team, joining from NEOM FC.".
The club explained that the contract extends for three and a half years, which means that the player will continue wearing the "Leader" jersey until 2029, which reflects the confidence of the Al-Hilal management in the great technical capabilities that the player possesses and his ability to provide the desired addition to the team in the upcoming local and continental competitions.
Bouabry's journey: From Monaco Academy to Saudi stadiums
Despite his young age, 19-year-old Simon Bouabre boasts an impressive resume. He progressed through the youth ranks of AS Monaco, a club renowned worldwide for producing top players in European football (such as Kylian Mbappé and Thierry Henry). Bouabre honed his skills in the French principality before deciding to embark on a new professional adventure in Saudi Arabia.
On the international level, Bouabre was a key pillar in the French national youth teams, where he contributed effectively with the "Les Bleus" under 17 team, and was one of the elements that attracted attention in the European youth championships thanks to his dribbling skills and passing accuracy in the middle of the field.
The importance of the deal and its expected impact
This deal is particularly significant given the new regulations of the Saudi Professional League, which encourage clubs to sign foreign players under the age of 21 to ensure sustainability and enhance competitiveness. Bouabre is expected to be a strong addition to Al-Hilal's midfield, combining dynamism with technical skill, thus providing the coaching staff with diverse tactical options, especially considering the pressure of matches and competition on all fronts.
The player’s move from Neom to Al-Hilal also reflects the strong relationship between Saudi clubs and their shared endeavor to raise the market and technical value of the league, as Neom had attracted the player in a deal that attracted attention, and Bouabre quickly proved his worth and moved to the Asian champion.
Player statistics and market value
In terms of numbers, Simon Poiri has proven his quality during his short time with Neom this season. He participated in 16 matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists, demonstrating balanced attacking and defensive capabilities.
According to the global website “Transfermarkt”, which specializes in football economics, the market value of the French talent is estimated at about four million euros, a figure that is likely to rise sharply with his expected participation in major tournaments wearing the Al-Hilal jersey.
