LONDON: Saudi Arabian international Salem Al-Dawsari will play on loan at La Liga’s Villarreal until the end of the season, the Spanish club have announced.
The loan move is part of an agreement between La Liga, the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia and the Federation of Saudi Arabia to give Saudi players European experience ahead of the World Cup in Russia this summer.
The 26-year-old winger will join from Al-Hilal, where he has played a total of 161 games in which he scored 28 goals and has made 23 assists.
Al-Dawsari has made 17 appearances for his country, scoring two goals.
He is one of several players to make a move to the Spanish league this weekend, with Yahia Al-Shehri also moving on loan to Leganés from Al-Nasr and Nouh Al-Mousa, who has gone on loan at Real Valladolid from Al-Fateh.
Levante from the top flight, alongside second division outfits Gijon and Rayo Vallecano also simultaneously announced on Sunday they had signed a Saudi Arabian player.
For the Spanish clubs, the loans are a way to gain exposure in a little-tapped market.
"With Yahia Al-Shehri's arrival, the club has improved its squad and also gained visibility in the Arab world," Leganes said in a statement.
Salem Al-Dawsari leads Saudi Arabian players going on loan at La Liga clubs
Salem Al-Dawsari leads Saudi Arabian players going on loan at La Liga clubs
Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal
RIYADH: Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ittihad, the Riyadh club announced early Tuesday.
The former French international was introduced with a post on social media, “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali.”
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, joined on a free transfer, his new club added.
Though this chapter comes to an end “respect and gratitude will always remain,” the Frenchman said.
“Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day,” Benzema wrote on social media.
“This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared.”
Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.
This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.
— with input from Reuters
