Al-Khaleej Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for Al-Khaleej Football Club as they aim to solidify their position in the Saudi Pro League and make a significant impact on both domestic and continental stages. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents, the squad has been meticulously assembled to compete at the highest level. This season, the club has invested heavily in the transfer market, bringing in players from diverse backgrounds to strengthen every department. From a rock-solid defense to a dynamic attack, Al-Khaleej is poised to deliver thrilling performances. Below, we break down the squad into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, providing an in-depth analysis of each player’s profile, career trajectory, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
- Ibrahim Al-Mushaykh
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Fateh, Al-Qadsiah
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (youth academy graduate)
Ibrahim Al-Mushaykh is a homegrown talent who has risen through the ranks to become Al-Khaleej’s first-choice goalkeeper. Known for his quick reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Al-Mushaykh has been a consistent performer since his debut. Standing at 6’3”, he dominates aerial duels and has a remarkable ability to read the game, often making crucial saves in one-on-one situations. His distribution is also a key asset, with pinpoint long balls that initiate counterattacks. Having spent his entire career in Saudi Arabia, Al-Mushaykh’s loyalty and dedication to the club make him a fan favorite.
- Vladimir Stojković
- Nationality: Serbian
- Former Clubs: Partizan, Nottingham Forest, Maccabi Tel Aviv
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million
A seasoned veteran with over 15 years of professional experience, Vladimir Stojković brings a wealth of knowledge and composure to the squad. The Serbian international has played in top leagues across Europe, including the English Championship and Israeli Premier League. Stojković is renowned for his penalty-saving prowess and leadership qualities, often organizing the defense during set-pieces. At 40 years old, he serves as a mentor to younger players while still delivering top-notch performances. His arrival on a free transfer in 2023 was a masterstroke, providing Al-Khaleej with a reliable backup option.
- Fahad Al-Rashidi
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Shabab, Al-Taawoun
- Transfer Fee: €500,000
Fahad Al-Rashidi is a promising young goalkeeper who joined Al-Khaleej in the summer of 2024. At just 22 years old, he has already showcased his potential with impressive performances in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Rashidi is agile, with excellent shot-stopping abilities and a fearless approach to challenging attackers. His quick development has earned him a spot in the Saudi national team setup, and he is seen as a long-term successor to Al-Mushaykh. The €500,000 transfer fee paid to Al-Taawoun is considered a bargain for a player of his caliber.
Defenders
- Ahmed Hegazi
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Former Clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Al-Ittihad, Pyramids FC
- Transfer Fee: €3 million
Ahmed Hegazi is a towering center-back who joined Al-Khaleej in 2023 after a successful stint with Al-Ittihad. Standing at 6’6”, Hegazi is a dominant force in the air, winning nearly 80% of his aerial duels. His experience in the English Premier League has honed his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions. Hegazi’s leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in organizing Al-Khaleej’s defense, making him a key figure in the squad. The €3 million transfer fee reflects his value as one of the league’s top defenders.
- Sultan Al-Farhan
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Raed
- Transfer Fee: €2 million
Sultan Al-Farhan is a versatile defender capable of playing both as a center-back and right-back. Known for his tactical intelligence and composure under pressure, Al-Farhan has been a consistent performer in the Saudi Pro League. His ability to play out from the back and contribute to the attack with overlapping runs makes him a valuable asset. Al-Farhan joined Al-Khaleej in 2024 after a successful spell with Al-Raed, where he was named in the league’s Team of the Season.
- Yasser Al-Shahrani
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Qadsiah, Al-Hilal
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer
Yasser Al-Shahrani is one of the most experienced full-backs in Saudi Arabian football. Having spent the majority of his career at Al-Hilal, he brings a winning mentality to Al-Khaleej. Al-Shahrani is known for his tireless work rate, defensive solidity, and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses. His leadership and experience have been crucial in guiding the younger players in the squad. Joining on a free transfer in 2024, Al-Shahrani has already become a fan favorite.
- Bruno Viana
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Braga, Olympiacos, Ludogorets
- Transfer Fee: €4 million
Bruno Viana is a technically gifted center-back who joined Al-Khaleej in the summer of 2024. The Brazilian defender is known for his ball-playing abilities, often initiating attacks with precise long passes. Viana’s physicality and reading of the game make him a formidable opponent for any striker. Having played in top European leagues, he brings a wealth of experience to the squad. The €4 million transfer fee is a testament to his quality and potential impact on the team.
Midfielders
- Abdulrahman Ghareeb
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr
- Transfer Fee: €6 million
Abdulrahman Ghareeb is a creative midfielder known for his dribbling skills and ability to unlock defenses with incisive passes. The 26-year-old joined Al-Khaleej in 2024 after a standout season with Al-Nassr, where he recorded 10 assists in the league. Ghareeb’s vision and technical ability make him the engine of Al-Khaleej’s midfield. His €6 million transfer fee reflects his status as one of the league’s most exciting playmakers.
- Gustavo Cuéllar
- Nationality: Colombian
- Former Clubs: Flamengo, Al-Hilal
- Transfer Fee: €5 million
Gustavo Cuéllar is a defensive midfielder renowned for his tenacity and ability to break up opposition play. The Colombian international joined Al-Khaleej in 2024 after a successful spell with Al-Hilal, where he won multiple league titles. Cuéllar’s work rate and tactical discipline provide a solid foundation for the team’s attacking players to thrive. His €5 million transfer fee is a reflection of his importance to the squad.
- Hattan Bahebri
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq
- Transfer Fee: €3.5 million
Hattan Bahebri is a dynamic winger who joined Al-Khaleej in 2024. Known for his pace and dribbling ability, Bahebri is a constant threat on the flanks. The 31-year-old brings experience and creativity to the team, often delivering key passes and crosses into the box. His €3.5 million transfer fee is a testament to his consistent performances in the Saudi Pro League.
- Mohamed Kanno
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Hilal, Al-Ettifaq
- Transfer Fee: €4.5 million
Mohamed Kanno is a box-to-box midfielder known for his energy and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. The 28-year-old joined Al-Khaleej in 2024 after a successful spell with Al-Hilal. Kanno’s ability to drive forward with the ball and score crucial goals makes him a valuable asset. His €4.5 million transfer fee reflects his importance to the team’s midfield dynamics.
Forwards
- Aleksandar Mitrović
- Nationality: Serbian
- Former Clubs: Fulham, Newcastle United, Al-Hilal
- Transfer Fee: €15 million
Aleksandar Mitrović is a prolific striker who joined Al-Khaleej in 2024. The Serbian international is known for his physicality, aerial ability, and clinical finishing. Mitrović’s experience in top European leagues and his goal-scoring record make him one of the most feared strikers in the league. His €15 million transfer fee is a club record, reflecting his status as a marquee signing.
- Firas Al-Buraikan
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Former Clubs: Al-Fateh, Al-Nassr
- Transfer Fee: €8 million
Firas Al-Buraikan is a young and talented striker who joined Al-Khaleej in 2024. The 23-year-old is known for his pace, movement, and ability to score from difficult angles. Al-Buraikan’s potential has earned him a place in the Saudi national team, and he is seen as one of the future stars of Saudi football. His €8 million transfer fee is a reflection of his immense potential.
- Cristian Tello
- Nationality: Spanish
- Former Clubs: Barcelona, Real Betis, Al-Fateh
- Transfer Fee: €6 million
Cristian Tello is a versatile forward who can play on either wing or as a secondary striker. The Spanish winger joined Al-Khaleej in 2024 after a successful spell with Al-Fateh. Tello’s pace, dribbling, and ability to score from distance make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. His €6 million transfer fee is a testament to his quality and experience.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Al-Khaleej Squad is a perfect blend of youth and experience, with players from diverse backgrounds coming together to achieve a common goal. The club’s strategic investments in the transfer market have strengthened every department, from a solid defensive unit to a dynamic attack. With a mix of homegrown talents and international stars, Al-Khaleej is well-equipped to compete at the highest level and make a significant impact in the Saudi Pro League. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to thrilling performances and memorable moments from this talented group of players.
