Al-Wehda Squad 2024/25: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for Al-Wehda as the club continues to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for domestic and regional honors. With a mix of experienced veterans, emerging talents, and strategic signings, Al-Wehda aims to solidify its position as a formidable force in Saudi Arabian football. This post delves into the squad’s composition, breaking it down into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Each player’s profile is meticulously detailed, highlighting their background, achievements, and contributions to the team.
Goalkeepers
1. Munir Mohamedi
Nationality: Moroccan
Former Clubs: CD Numancia, Málaga CF, Wydad Casablanca
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Munir Mohamedi, the Moroccan international, has been a cornerstone of Al-Wehda’s defense since his arrival in 2023. Known for his agility and commanding presence in the box, Munir has consistently delivered standout performances. His reflexes and ability to read the game have saved Al-Wehda on numerous occasions. With over 50 caps for Morocco, his experience at the international level brings invaluable leadership to the squad.
2. Zaid Al-Bawardi
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Faisaly, Al-Taawoun
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
A product of Saudi Arabia’s footballing system, Zaid Al-Bawardi has grown into a reliable backup goalkeeper for Al-Wehda. His shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure have earned him a reputation as a dependable option between the posts. While he may not be the first-choice keeper, his dedication and work ethic make him an essential part of the squad.
3. Ahmed Al-Kassar
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Hazem, Al-Qadsiah
Transfer Fee: €500,000 (2024)
Ahmed Al-Kassar joined Al-Wehda in 2024 as a promising young goalkeeper with immense potential. His quick reflexes and ability to distribute the ball accurately have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top shot-stoppers. At just 23 years old, Al-Kassar represents the future of Al-Wehda’s goalkeeping department.
Defenders
1. Omar Hawsawi
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Shabab, Al-Nassr
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Omar Hawsawi, a seasoned Saudi Arabian defender, brings a wealth of experience to Al-Wehda’s backline. Known for his aerial prowess and tactical intelligence, Hawsawi has been a mainstay in the defense since joining the club. His leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in organizing the team’s defensive structure.
2. Bruno Viana
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Braga, Olympiacos, Flamengo
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Bruno Viana, the Brazilian center-back, joined Al-Wehda in 2024 to bolster the team’s defensive options. His physicality, combined with his ability to play out from the back, makes him a modern defender perfectly suited to the demands of contemporary football. Viana’s experience in European leagues adds a layer of sophistication to Al-Wehda’s defense.
3. Saeed Al-Mowalad
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Saeed Al-Mowalad, a versatile full-back, has been a consistent performer for Al-Wehda. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset. Al-Mowalad’s pace and crossing accuracy have created numerous scoring opportunities for the team.
4. Yaseen Al-Bakhit
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Fateh, Al-Raed
Transfer Fee: €1 million (2024)
Yaseen Al-Bakhit, a rising star in Saudi football, joined Al-Wehda in 2024. Known for his tenacity and ability to read the game, Al-Bakhit has quickly established himself as a key player in the defense. His potential to grow further makes him an exciting prospect for the future.
5. Abdulaziz Noor
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Ettifaq, Al-Fayha
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Abdulaziz Noor, a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and right-back, provides depth to Al-Wehda’s defensive lineup. His physical presence and ability to intercept opposition attacks have made him a reliable option for the team.
Midfielders
1. Anselmo de Moraes
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Al-Faisaly, Al-Taawoun
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Anselmo de Moraes, a Brazilian midfield maestro, has been a revelation for Al-Wehda since his arrival. His vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game make him a vital cog in the team’s engine room. Anselmo’s experience in Saudi football has allowed him to adapt seamlessly to Al-Wehda’s style of play.
2. Craig Goodwin
Nationality: Australian
Former Clubs: Adelaide United, Sparta Rotterdam
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2024)
Craig Goodwin, the Australian winger, joined Al-Wehda in 2024 to add creativity and flair to the midfield. Known for his dribbling skills and precise crosses, Goodwin has quickly become a fan favorite. His ability to score from set-pieces further enhances his value to the team.
3. Hussain Al-Eisa
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Ittihad, Al-Fateh
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Hussain Al-Eisa, a dynamic midfielder, has been a consistent performer for Al-Wehda. His energy, work rate, and ability to break up opposition play make him an essential part of the team’s midfield. Al-Eisa’s contributions often go unnoticed but are crucial to the team’s success.
4. Faycal Fajr
Nationality: Moroccan
Former Clubs: Caen, Getafe, Sivasspor
Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)
Faycal Fajr, the Moroccan international, brings a wealth of experience to Al-Wehda’s midfield. His ability to dictate play and deliver pinpoint passes has been instrumental in the team’s attacking transitions. Fajr’s leadership and technical skills make him a key player for the club.
5. Abdulaziz Al-Aryani
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Nassr, Al-Raed
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Abdulaziz Al-Aryani, a young and talented midfielder, joined Al-Wehda in 2024. Known for his composure on the ball and ability to drive forward, Al-Aryani has shown glimpses of his potential. His development will be closely watched in the coming seasons.
Forwards
1. Odion Ighalo
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Manchester United, Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Odion Ighalo, the Nigerian striker, needs no introduction. A proven goal-scorer with experience in top leagues, Ighalo has been a revelation for Al-Wehda. His ability to find the back of the net consistently has made him the team’s primary attacking threat. Ighalo’s leadership and experience have also been invaluable to the squad.
2. Jean-David Beauguel
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Rapid Wien, Al-Fateh
Transfer Fee: €2 million (2024)
Jean-David Beauguel, the French forward, joined Al-Wehda in 2024 to bolster the team’s attacking options. Known for his physicality and aerial ability, Beauguel has added a new dimension to the team’s attack. His knack for scoring crucial goals has already endeared him to the fans.
3. Sultan Al-Sawadi
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Fayha, Al-Taawoun
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Sultan Al-Sawadi, a versatile forward, has been a consistent performer for Al-Wehda. His ability to play across the front line and link up play has made him a valuable asset. Al-Sawadi’s work rate and determination have earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup.
4. Jorge Fellipe
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Al-Hazem, Al-Faisaly
Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2024)
Jorge Fellipe, the Brazilian forward, joined Al-Wehda in 2024 to add depth to the team’s attack. Known for his pace and finishing ability, Fellipe has the potential to become a key player for the club. His adaptability and technical skills make him a valuable addition to the squad.
5. Abdulrahman Al-Harthi
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Nassr, Al-Fateh
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Abdulrahman Al-Harthi, a young and promising forward, joined Al-Wehda in 2024. Known for his speed and ability to take on defenders, Al-Harthi has shown glimpses of his potential. His development will be crucial for the team’s future success.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Al-Wehda squad is a blend of experience, talent, and potential. With a strong core of Saudi Arabian players complemented by strategic international signings, the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. The goalkeeping department boasts reliability and promise, while the defense combines tactical intelligence with physicality. The midfield is a mix of creativity and energy, and the forward line is led by proven goal-scorers. As the season unfolds, Al-Wehda fans can look forward to an exciting campaign filled with memorable performances and, hopefully, silverware.