Al-Orobah Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks a pivotal chapter for Al-Orobah Football Club as they aim to solidify their position in the Saudi Arabian football landscape. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the squad has been meticulously assembled to compete at the highest level. This season, the club has invested heavily in both domestic and international markets, bringing in players with diverse skill sets and experiences. The following breakdown provides an in-depth look at the Al-Orobah Squad, categorized by position, highlighting each player’s background, achievements, and contributions to the team’s ambitions.
Goalkeepers
- Ahmed Al-Kassar
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Faisaly, Al-Taawoun
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Ahmed Al-Kassar, a stalwart between the posts, joined Al-Orobah in 2023 after a successful stint with Al-Taawoun. Known for his lightning-fast reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Al-Kassar has been a reliable last line of defense. His ability to organize the backline and make crucial saves in high-pressure situations has earned him a reputation as one of the league’s top goalkeepers. With over 150 appearances in the Saudi Pro League, his experience is invaluable to the squad.
- Fahad Al-Rashidi
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Qadsiah
- Transfer Fee: 500,000(2024)FahadAl−Rashidi,apromisingyounggoalkeeper,wassignedfromAl−Qadsiahin2024.Atjust23yearsold,hehasalreadyshownimmensepotential,withhisagilityandshot−stoppingabilitydrawingcomparisonstosomeoftheleague’sgreats.Al−Rashidi’sdistributionskillsandcomposureunderpressuremakehimastrongcontenderforthestartingrole.Histransferfeeof500,000(2024)FahadAl−Rashidi,apromisingyounggoalkeeper,wassignedfromAl−Qadsiahin2024.Atjust23yearsold,hehasalreadyshownimmensepotential,withhisagilityandshot−stoppingabilitydrawingcomparisonstosomeoftheleague’sgreats.Al−Rashidi’sdistributionskillsandcomposureunderpressuremakehimastrongcontenderforthestartingrole.Histransferfeeof500,000 reflects the club’s belief in his future.
- Yousef Al-Mousa
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Nahda, Al-Jabalain
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Yousef Al-Mousa serves as the third-choice goalkeeper, providing depth and competition in training. While he has yet to make a significant impact in the league, his dedication and work ethic have made him a respected figure within the squad. Al-Mousa’s role is crucial in maintaining high standards during practice sessions.
Defenders
- Sultan Al-Ghanam
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Nassr, Al-Fateh
- Transfer Fee: $1.2 million (2024)
Sultan Al-Ghanam, a versatile right-back, joined Al-Orobah from Al-Nassr in 2024. Known for his overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses, Al-Ghanam is a constant threat on the flank. Defensively, his tackling and positional awareness have been instrumental in neutralizing opposition attacks. With over 200 league appearances, his leadership and experience are vital to the team’s defensive solidity.
- Mohammed Al-Fatil
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Raed
- Transfer Fee: $800,000 (2023)
Mohammed Al-Fatil, a towering center-back, was signed from Al-Raed in 2023. Standing at 6’3”, he dominates aerial duels and is a formidable presence in set-piece situations. Al-Fatil’s ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has made him a fan favorite. His partnership with other defenders has been key to Al-Orobah’s defensive record.
- Ivanildo Fernandes
- Nationality: Cape Verdean
- Former Clubs: Sporting CP, Al-Hazem
- Transfer Fee: 1.5million(2024)IvanildoFernandes,aninternationalsigningfromCapeVerde,bringsawealthofexperiencetothebackline.Knownforhisphysicalityandtacticalintelligence,FernandeshaspreviouslyplayedforSportingCPinPortugal.Hisabilitytoplaybothasacenter−backandadefensivemidfielderaddsversatilitytothesquad.The1.5million(2024)IvanildoFernandes,aninternationalsigningfromCapeVerde,bringsawealthofexperiencetothebackline.Knownforhisphysicalityandtacticalintelligence,FernandeshaspreviouslyplayedforSportingCPinPortugal.Hisabilitytoplaybothasacenter−backandadefensivemidfielderaddsversatilitytothesquad.The1.5 million transfer fee underscores his importance to the team.
- Hassan Kadesh
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Shabab, Al-Adalah
- Transfer Fee: $600,000 (2024)
Hassan Kadesh, a left-back with a knack for joining the attack, was signed from Al-Adalah in 2024. His pace and dribbling skills make him a constant threat down the left flank, while his defensive contributions have been steadily improving. Kadesh’s energy and work rate have made him a key component of the team’s tactical setup.
- Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Fayha
- Transfer Fee: $700,000 (2023)
Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani, a versatile defender capable of playing across the backline, joined Al-Orobah in 2023. His technical ability and composure on the ball make him a valuable asset in building attacks from the back. Al-Shahrani’s experience in high-pressure matches has been crucial in tight games.
Midfielders
- Abdulrahman Al-Ghamdi
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Ittihad, Al-Batin
- Transfer Fee: 1million(2024)AbdulrahmanAl−Ghamdi,adynamiccentralmidfielder,wassignedfromAl−Batinin2024.Knownforhisvisionandpassingrange,Al−Ghamdiistheengineoftheteam’smidfield.HisabilitytodictatethetempoofthegameandbreakupoppositionplayhasbeeninstrumentalinAl−Orobah’ssuccess.The1million(2024)AbdulrahmanAl−Ghamdi,adynamiccentralmidfielder,wassignedfromAl−Batinin2024.Knownforhisvisionandpassingrange,Al−Ghamdiistheengineoftheteam’smidfield.HisabilitytodictatethetempoofthegameandbreakupoppositionplayhasbeeninstrumentalinAl−Orobah’ssuccess.The1 million transfer fee reflects his importance to the squad.
- Hattan Bahebri
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq
- Transfer Fee: $900,000 (2023)
Hattan Bahebri, a creative winger, joined Al-Orobah in 2023. With his dribbling skills and eye for goal, Bahebri has been a constant threat on the right flank. His ability to deliver precise crosses and cut inside to score has made him a fan favorite. Bahebri’s experience in the league adds depth to the team’s attacking options.
- Mohamed Kanno
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Wehda
- Transfer Fee: 1.3million(2024)MohamedKanno,abox−to−boxmidfielder,wassignedfromAl−Wehdain2024.Knownforhisstaminaandabilitytocontributebothdefensivelyandoffensively,Kannoisacompletemidfielder.Hislaterunsintotheboxandpowerfulshotsfromdistancehaveresultedincrucialgoalsfortheteam.The1.3million(2024)MohamedKanno,abox−to−boxmidfielder,wassignedfromAl−Wehdain2024.Knownforhisstaminaandabilitytocontributebothdefensivelyandoffensively,Kannoisacompletemidfielder.Hislaterunsintotheboxandpowerfulshotsfromdistancehaveresultedincrucialgoalsfortheteam.The1.3 million transfer fee highlights his value to the squad.
- Youssef Niakate
- Nationality: Malian
- Former Clubs: Djoliba AC, Al-Tai
- Transfer Fee: $750,000 (2024)
Youssef Niakate, a defensive midfielder from Mali, joined Al-Orobah in 2024. His physical presence and ability to break up play have been crucial in shielding the defense. Niakate’s passing accuracy and tactical discipline make him a key player in the team’s midfield setup.
- Nawaf Al-Abed
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Fayha
- Transfer Fee: $1 million (2023)
Nawaf Al-Abed, an attacking midfielder, joined Al-Orobah in 2023. Known for his creativity and set-piece expertise, Al-Abed has been a consistent performer. His ability to unlock defenses with precise passes and his knack for scoring from free-kicks have made him a vital part of the team’s attack.
Forwards
- Firas Al-Buraikan
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Fateh, Al-Nassr
- Transfer Fee: 2million(2024)FirasAl−Buraikan,aprolificstriker,wassignedfromAl−Nassrin2024.Withhisclinicalfinishingandintelligentmovement,Al−Buraikanhasbeenaconstantgoalthreat.HisabilitytoholdupplayandbringteammatesintothegamehasaddedanewdimensiontoAl−Orobah’sattack.The2million(2024)FirasAl−Buraikan,aprolificstriker,wassignedfromAl−Nassrin2024.Withhisclinicalfinishingandintelligentmovement,Al−Buraikanhasbeenaconstantgoalthreat.HisabilitytoholdupplayandbringteammatesintothegamehasaddedanewdimensiontoAl−Orobah’sattack.The2 million transfer fee reflects his status as one of the league’s top forwards.
- Cristian Guanca
- Nationality: Argentine
- Former Clubs: Red Star Belgrade, Al-Shabab
- Transfer Fee: 1.8million(2024)CristianGuanca,anArgentineforward,joinedAl−Orobahin2024.Knownforhistechnicalskillsandabilitytoscorefromdistance,Guancahasbeenarevelation.Hisversatilityallowshimtoplayasasecondstrikeroronthewing,providingtheteamwithmultipleattackingoptions.The1.8million(2024)CristianGuanca,anArgentineforward,joinedAl−Orobahin2024.Knownforhistechnicalskillsandabilitytoscorefromdistance,Guancahasbeenarevelation.Hisversatilityallowshimtoplayasasecondstrikeroronthewing,providingtheteamwithmultipleattackingoptions.The1.8 million transfer fee underscores his importance to the squad.
- Saleh Al-Shehri
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Raed
- Transfer Fee: $1.5 million (2023)
Saleh Al-Shehri, a versatile forward, joined Al-Orobah in 2023. His pace and ability to play across the front line have made him a valuable asset. Al-Shehri’s work rate and ability to press defenders have been crucial in the team’s high-intensity style of play.
- Abdulaziz Al-Aryani
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Faisaly
- Transfer Fee: $1 million (2024)
Abdulaziz Al-Aryani, a young and promising forward, was signed from Al-Faisaly in 2024. Known for his speed and dribbling skills, Al-Aryani has the potential to become one of the league’s top players. His ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities has already made an impact.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Al-Orobah Squad is a testament to the club’s ambition and strategic planning. With a mix of experienced players and exciting young talents, the team is well-equipped to compete for honors in the Saudi Pro League. Each player brings unique qualities to the table, contributing to a cohesive and dynamic unit. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and a team that embodies the spirit of Al-Orobah.