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
Kane to miss Bayern game against Gladbach with calf knock
- The England striker should be fit in time for the Champions League last-16 first leg at Atalanta next Tuesday
- “Kane is out. He got a knock on his calf and hasn’t recovered yet,” Kompany said
BERLIN: Harry Kane will miss Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga match against Borussia Moenchengladbach with a calf injury, coach Vincent Kompany said on Thursday.
The England striker, who has been an ever-present for Bayern this season, should be fit in time for the Champions League last-16 first leg at Atalanta next Tuesday.
“Harry Kane is out. He got a knock on his calf and hasn’t recovered yet,” Kompany said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s game.
“It’s just a knock, it’s nothing serious over the long term, but we’d need maybe another a day for him to be involved.
“We’re pretty relaxed. Of course we would have liked Harry to be involved, but these things happen...
“Any time Harry isn’t there, some of the boys will be hoping they can have their moment.”
Bayern took a big step toward defending their Bundesliga title last weekend with a comeback 3-2 win at closest challengers Borussia Dortmund to open up an 11-point lead.
Kane scored twice in that match to take his tally in all competitions this season to 45 goals.
