Al-ittihad Transfers Forward Haroune Kamara to Al-Shabab
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – In a significant development in the Saudi Professional League, Al-Ittihad Club has officially sanctioned the transfer of Malian forward Haroune Kamara, 22, to rivals Al-Shabab. The move, confirmed late Tuesday, marks a shift in Al-Ittihad’s attacking lineup as they prepare for the second half of the 2023-2024 season.
Kamara,who joined Al-Ittihad in July 2023 from French side Clermont Foot for a reported fee of €3 million,according to Transfermarkt,quickly became a fan favorite with his dynamic play and goal-scoring ability. He featured in 17 matches across all competitions for Al-Ittihad, netting 6 goals and providing 3 assists.His most recent appearance was in al-Ittihad’s 3-1 defeat against Al-Fayha on January 12,2024.
The transfer to Al-Shabab is reportedly valued at approximately 15 million Saudi Riyals (approximately $4 million USD), representing a substantial profit for Al-ittihad within a short timeframe. Sources close to the deal indicate that Al-Shabab manager Igor Bišćan specifically requested Kamara to bolster their attacking options, following a series of inconsistent performances from their forward line this season. Al-Shabab currently sits 12th in the Saudi Professional League standings with 18 points after 19 matches.
Al-Ittihad, currently 4th in the league with 34 points, are reportedly seeking a replacement for Kamara and have been linked with several international forwards, including 28-year-old Nigerian forward Paul Onuachu, currently playing for Trabzonspor. The Saudi transfer window remains open until february 8, 2024, providing Al-Ittihad ample time to secure a suitable replacement. The move aligns with Al-Ittihad’s broader strategy of streamlining their squad and investing in players who fit their long-term vision,as outlined by club president Anmar Al-Hailli in a recent press conference on January 15,2024.
The Saudi Professional League has seen a surge in investment and talent acquisition in recent years, attracting high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema. This increased competition has prompted clubs like Al-ittihad to strategically manage their rosters to remain competitive. The league’s total market value has increased by 60% in the last year,reaching $2.5 billion, according to a report by Football Benchmark published in December 2023.
