Roma have officially announced the signing of Saudi Arabia international Saud Abdulhamid on a permanent transfer from SPL side Al-Hilal.
Official: Roma sign Abdulhamid from Al-Hilal
The 25-year-old right-back, who can also operate on the left, has joined the Giallorossi in a permanent deal, reportedly worth a guaranteed fee of €2.5m, potentially rising up to €3m with add-ons and bonuses included.
It is a historic move, as Abdulhamid will become the first ever Saudi player to turn out in Serie A. He will wear the no.12 shirt during his first season at the Stadio Olimpico.
“I’m very happy and grateful to be here as a Roma player,” Abdulhamid said in his first interview with the club’s media channels.
“I’d like to thank the club, the fans and the Friedkin family for putting their trust in me. God willing, I hope to live up to everybody’s expectations.”
The former Al-Hilal defender has 26 caps for his country at senior level, and also represented his nation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. At that tournament, he played the full 90 minutes as Saudi Arabia recorded an historic 2-1 win over eventual champions Argentina.
Al-Hilal are reportedly negotiating a move with out-of-favour Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo as a replacement.
🤝 Benvenuto alla Roma, Saud Abdulhamid! 🐺#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/xDlFWmrCPf
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) August 27, 2024
Looks like Roma are indirectly asking for investment from the head choppers….
The only reason Roma would take this player is if it was part of their “Riyadh Expo” sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia …oh and they literally get to put Saud on the back of their shirts!