Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab FC announced on Monday the signing of Moroccan international striker Abderrazak Hamdallah.
Hamdallah joins Al Shabab from Al Ittihad Jeddah, where he has been a key player since his arrival.
Al Shabab made the announcement on their official Twitter account. “New lion in the big capital,” the post read.
Al Ittihad Jeddah bid farewell to their Moroccan striker with an emotional statement.
أسدٌ جديد في #كبير_العاصمة #حمدالله_شبابي pic.twitter.com/bmPH0SxoUB
— نادي الشباب السعودي (@AlShababSaudiFC) July 22, 2024
“To Abderrazak Hamdallah… with our regards, you were a unique phenomenon that appeared in our midst and brought joy to our hearts,” the statement read.
“In every detail of your time with our club, there is a beautiful story we lived and will not forget,” the statement added.
Hamdallah was reportedly close to transferring to Al Taawoun FC, but negotiations collapsed at the last minute.
The star striker’s demand for an increase in his annual salary to approximately 7.5 million Saudi Riyals ( $2 million USD) was cited as a key reason for the deal falling through, according to local Saudi reports.
Hamdallah joined Al Ittihad Jeddah in the winter transfer window of 2021, coming from Al Nassr FC.
He quickly adapted to the team and delivered outstanding performances, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most formidable strikers.