Lead:
Saudi Arabia's professional football landscape shifted this week with Al-Hilal overtaking Al-Nasser atop the Roshan Saudi League following a decisive 3-0 victory over Al-Ahli in a postponed third-round fixture. Across the league, transfer activity intensified as the summer window approaches closure, with multiple high-profile moves either completed or in advanced negotiations among the kingdom's elite clubs.
The week witnessed significant squad movements, including international departures and domestic transfers aimed at strengthening competing teams ahead of the season's critical phase. Injury concerns also mounted for several clubs as key players underwent rehabilitation and surgical procedures.
Top Stories:
Al-Hilal 3-0 Al-Ahli — Al-Hilal secured top spot in the Roshan Saudi League on goal difference after routing visiting Al-Ahli with a commanding performance. The victory was the result of the third-round match that had been postponed, with midfielder Sultan Mindash earning player-of-the-match honors in the classic encounter.Al-Ittihad sells Musa Diaby to Bayer Leverkusen — Al-Ittihad confirmed the departure of French winger Musa Diaby to the German Bundesliga club after approving the transfer of the remaining three years of his contract. The deal reportedly totaled approximately 31 million US dollars.Al-Malika Holding completes Al-Hilal acquisition — Al-Malika Holding announced completion of its acquisition of 70 percent of Al-Hilal club shares from the Public Investment Fund, with full financial settlement of 840 million Saudi riyals achieved.Al-Shabab signs Ali Al-Bulayhi — Al-Shabab completed the signing of defender Ali Al-Bulayhi from Al-Hilal on a free transfer after the player's contract with his previous club was terminated following eight seasons.Al-Nasser targets Abd Al-Rahman Gharib renewal — Al-Nasser administration awaits finalization of Ali Al-Hassan's transfer to Al-Fath to create contractual space for renewing the agreement with midfielder Abd Al-Rahman Gharib before the transfer window closes.Al-Ittihad draws with Al-Fath — Al-Ittihad extended their unbeaten run but were held to a goalless draw by Al-Fath in fourth-round play, exposing attacking vulnerabilities that have begun troubling the club's supporters and management.What to Watch:
Al-Ittihad hosts Al-Nasser in a crucial fifth-round fixture on Saturday at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, with both sides competing for league leadership position. The Roshan League continues its fourth-round schedule with the Wihda-Dammam clash scheduled for Wednesday at King Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium, both teams pursuing their first victories of the campaign.