A historic step in European stadiums
In a move that underscores the growing presence of Saudi talent in major European leagues, French club Lens officially announced the acquisition of Saudi international full-back Saud Abdulhamid from Italian club Roma. The Saudi star's new contract with the French team extends until 2029, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in his professional career, which has witnessed remarkable development in recent years. The announcement was made via the French club's official social media accounts, which praised the player's outstanding performance.
Lens' decision to make Abdelhamid's contract permanent came as no surprise, given the player's exceptional performances during his time with the team last season. Saoud established himself as a key player, contributing directly to the team's achievements, most notably winning the French Cup, securing a Champions League spot, and finishing as runners-up in Ligue 1. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the fast-paced and physically demanding style of play characteristic of the French league.
Saud Abdulhameed's journey: From Jeddah to global recognition
Saud Abdulhamid began his football career at Al-Ittihad Saudi Club, progressing through its youth ranks before establishing himself in the first team and becoming one of the most prominent young talents in the Saudi Professional League. He then made a controversial move to their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal, where his talent truly blossomed. There, he won numerous domestic and continental titles, most notably the AFC Champions League and the Saudi Professional League, which opened doors for him to play professionally abroad.
His move to AS Roma in the summer of 2014 served as a gateway to the spotlight in Europe, before he took his most significant step by joining RC Lens in France. Abdulhamid's career is an inspiring example for young Saudi players, proving that talent combined with discipline and ambition can reach the highest international levels.
The impact of the deal on the future of Saudi players
The success of Saud Abdulhamid's transfer is not only a personal achievement for the player, but also a tremendous morale boost for Saudi football as a whole. His brilliance in a major European league opens the door for more Saudi talents to pursue professional careers abroad, breaking down the psychological barrier that many previously faced. Furthermore, his continued participation with the Saudi national team and his outstanding performances in international tournaments, such as the 2022 World Cup, which saw the historic victory over Argentina, enhance the value of Saudi players in the global transfer market. Saud is currently preparing with the "Green Falcons" for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, bringing with him European experience that will be a significant asset to the national team.
