Saud Abdulhamid Bets on Europe, Sidestepping a Saudi Return for Now
16 November 2025
European Focus
Saud Abdulhamid, the right-back for RC Lens, has reportedly decided to continue his career in Europe rather than making a permanent return to the Saudi Pro League in the upcoming winter window. After leaving Al Hilal in 2024 for Roma, his first season in Italy didn’t bring a regular starting role, prompting Lens to bring him in on loan to secure meaningful playing time.
Rumors linking him to a Saudi comeback have circulated, but reports cited by the Saudi newspaper Yaom suggest his primary goal is to maintain his European trajectory and not depart Lens on a permanent basis. Saudi clubs have made overtures, yet the defender seems inclined to push forward in Europe for now, valuing regular minutes and development over an immediate homecoming.
Current Situation and National Team
Abdulhamid remains a talking point as he balances club and country commitments. He is currently with the Saudi national team camp in Jeddah, preparing for the 2025 Arab Cup, an opportunity to regain confidence and demonstrate his impact with the national side. He already featured in the friendly against Ivory Coast, helping organize play and reasserting his influence on the pitch.
Looking ahead, he is expected to participate in the upcoming second match of the camp against Algeria, a test against a seasoned opponent that will challenge his form and consistency. The camp and these friendlies are seen as crucial for Hervé Renard’s plans, as Saud seeks to stay a viable option in matches that may define future selection for major tournaments.
Lens remains a focal point of the discussion. The squad’s depth at his position, along with tactical choices by the coach, means any small interruption in fitness could limit his starting opportunities. Despite these challenges, Abdulhamid’s prevalent form and technical ability keep him in the conversation for both Lens and the national team as the season progresses.
International Presence
His current national-team involvement underscores his international potential. The mix of European club duties and responsibilities with Saudi duty creates a dual challenge: prove himself at Lens and remain a compelling option for national-team managers ahead of key fixtures in the near future.
Club and Injury Dynamics
In Lens, competition for his role remains intense, with experienced teammates capable of playing in the same position. Tactical demands and the physical demands of a long season also factor into his playing time. Any minor absence could open the door for others, making his consistency and fitness all the more critical as he navigates this delicate phase of his career.
Despite the complexities, his current trajectory suggests a prioritization of European football, leveraging his development path to secure potential moves that could enhance his value on the continental stage.
Bottom Line
The latest updates position Saud Abdulhamid as a player focused on growth in Europe, with aspirations to sustain high-level competition while keeping doors open to future Saudi opportunities if the right fit emerges. His performances in the Arab Cup qualifiers and ongoing league play will shape the narrative in the weeks ahead.
Two light notes to end: If patience had a transfer window, Saud would be on the cover of the season’s brochure. And if a passport could talk, it would say, “Stamped for Europe, with love.”
