Roma has made history by signing Saud Abdulhamid, becoming the first Serie A club to acquire a Saudi Arabian player. The 24-year-old right-back joins the Giallorossi from Al-Hilal, marking a significant milestone in the growing relationship between Saudi and European football.
Calciomercato report how Abdulhamid, born in Jeddah in 1999, is considered one of the most promising talents in Saudi football. Roma secured his services for a modest fee of €2.5 million, potentially rising to €3 million with bonuses. The player has already arrived in Rome for his medical examinations and to finalize his contract.
Known for his versatility, Abdulhamid can play on both flanks and even as a central defender. He began his professional career with Al-Ittihad before moving to Al-Hilal, where he showcased his attacking prowess by providing 27 assists and scoring 7 goals in 203 appearances.
Abdulhamid’s arrival addresses Roma’s need for defensive reinforcements, particularly on the flanks. His technical ability, one-on-one defensive skills, and offensive contributions make him an attractive option for manager Daniele De Rossi’s tactical plans.
The Saudi international brings valuable experience, having faced top-tier competition including Lionel Messi in the 2022 World Cup and being a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Riyadh All-Stars team. Known for his unique goal celebration involving sitting on a chair at the sidelines, Abdulhamid adds character to Roma’s squad.
