Winter Coup: Al Nassr snatches a star from Al Hilal in a surprise winter move

Winter transfer sizzle in Saudi football

Al Nassr clinched another deal ahead of the winter window, securing a new signing from Al Hilal. The move comes as the club reshapes its midfield and attack for the 2025-2026 season.

Al Nassr announced the signing of Iraqi Haydar Abdul Karim from Al-Zawraa to bolster the midfield.

They also confirmed the arrival of Abdullah Al-Hamdan, from Al Hilal, on a free transfer.

Details around the contract length were not disclosed, but Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported that the deal runs for four seasons, making it the second winter signing for the club.

Hamdan has been with Al Hilal since February 2021, but has struggled to secure a regular starting place, featuring in 145 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists.

Punchline: If transfers were dating, this winter window would be a perfect matchmaker. Punchline 2: In football terms, this is a midfield upgrade—less buffering, more ball movement.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Transfer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which players were signed in this transfer window?

Haydar Abdul Karim from Al-Zawraa and Abdullah Al-Hamdan from Al Hilal (on a free transfer).

Which clubs are involved in these deals?

Al Nassr signed Haydar Abdul Karim from Al-Zawraa and Abdullah Al-Hamdan from Al Hilal (on a free transfer).

What are the reported contract lengths?

Media reports cited a four-year deal for Hamdan; the length of Karim's contract was not disclosed.

How has Hamdan performed at Hilal before this move?

Since Feb 2021, Hamdan appeared in 145 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists.

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