The past few hours have witnessed significant developments in the winter transfer window between the Kuwaiti and Saudi leagues. The management of Kuwait's Al-Qadsia club categorically rejected the financial offer submitted by their counterparts at Saudi Arabia's Al-Riyadh club for the services of Algerian professional Victor Mehdi Lekhal. This rejection comes after Al-Riyadh withdrew from the initial agreement, which stipulated a swap deal involving the transfer of Ivorian player Soro to Al-Qadsia.
All parties had previously reached a near-final agreement for Victor Lekhal to transfer to Riyadh in exchange for Soro joining Al-Qadsia. However, at the last minute, the Saudi club's management opted to submit an alternative financial offer to purchase the Algerian player's contract without relinquishing their Ivorian player. This sudden shift was met with strong adherence from the Kuwaiti side to the original agreement, as Al-Qadsia's management believes that the team's technical needs require strengthening the squad with a player of Soro's caliber, not simply receiving a financial return.
Background of the deal and the importance of Victor Lakhal
Victor Mehdi Lakhal is considered one of the prominent names recently attracted to the Kuwaiti league. The player boasts an impressive resume, most notably his time leading French club Le Havre before his move to the region. Al-Riyadh's interest in signing him stems from the Saudi Pro League's desire to bolster its squad with experienced players capable of controlling the midfield, especially given the fierce competition in the Saudi league this season.
The impact of stalled negotiations on the Gulf transfer market
These negotiations are particularly significant as they reflect the active movement in the Gulf transfer market (the winter transfer window), where clubs seek to address technical weaknesses before entering the decisive stages of domestic competitions. For Al-Qadsia, historically one of the pillars of Kuwaiti football, maintaining team stability or replacing players with high-quality substitutes is a top priority for competing for domestic titles and returning to the podium.
Until this moment, negotiations are still ongoing behind the scenes, as Al-Riyadh club officials await a final and decisive response from the Kuwaiti side, amid expectations that the coming hours will witness a new round of talks that may lead either to a return to the exchange formula or to closing the deal file permanently and each player remaining at his current club.
