Al Ain’s Soufiane Rahimi on the radar of Saudi giants

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Aug 21, 2024. 09:53

Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr have identified Al Ain’s Moroccan winger Soufiane Rahimi as a priority target in the transfer window.

Al Nassr have made a tough start to the season, suffering a 4-1 defeat to their city rivals Al Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr has failed to win any official competition and the club’s board knows that the fans will not accept another trophy-less season.

The Yellow Castle lost the league title last season to Al Hilal by 14 points. They also lost the King’s Cup final to their arch rivals on penalties.

The club has therefore decided to shake up the team, as they intend to fire coach Luis Castro, and will look to loan Senegalese winger Sadio Mane to Ittihad Jeddah.

The search for reinforcements has therefore led to Rahimi, who guided his Emirati team to glory last season with a historic AFC Champions League triumph.

The Moroccan was pivotal in Al Ain’s successful Champions League campaign, having scored 13 goals, including three over the two legs against Al Nassr, knocking the Saudis out of the competition in the quarterfinals.

Rahimi also helped Morocco win a bronze medal in the men’s football tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games in France.

Rahimi’s current contract with Al Ain expires in June 2025, but they hope to either extend his contract or to sell him for a handsome fee.