Ghilas Guenaou

KUWAIT CITY, June 28: Al-Arabi has officially announced the departure of national coach Nasser Al-Shatti and his entire coaching staff, including Maitham Al-Shatti, Saleh Mahdi, and Ali Boland. The decision comes after two seasons of collaboration, with recent negotiations over a contract extension reaching a deadlock.

Despite holding several meetings over the past 10 days, the two sides failed to agree on key terms for a renewed deal. Under Al-Shatti’s leadership—alongside his brother and assistant Maitham—Al-Arabi had a strong season, finishing second in both the Zain Premier League and the Crown Prince Cup. The team also reached the final of the Emir’s Cup, which has been postponed due to the current situation. However, no titles were secured during his tenure.

Al-Shatti is now a leading candidate to take over at Al-Salmiya for the 2025–2026 season. Sources indicate that the two parties have already agreed on most terms of the proposed contract, with an official announcement expected soon.

This potential move comes as Al-Salmiya looks to end its contract with Croatian coach Ante Miša, who remains under contract until the end of next season. The club is reportedly seeking a mutual termination.

Meanwhile, at Al-Qadsiya, efforts to reinforce the squad ahead of the 2025–2026 season are in full swing. Head coach Nabil Maaloul is currently reviewing several foreign players being offered by agents, with a strong focus on midfield and attacking reinforcements.

Algerian midfielder Ghilas Guenaoui, born in 1998, has emerged as a top target. He previously played for ES Sétif in Algeria and Port Said in Egypt and is known for his versatility and playmaking ability.

Guenaoui is the second Algerian player under consideration, alongside defender Ayoub Abdellaoui (32), who has experience with MC Alger, USM Alger, and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq. Additionally, former Tunisian international striker Haythem Jouini has been offered to the club.

Al-Qadsiya is in rebuilding mode after parting ways with three foreign players: Moroccan Ismail Khafi, Nigerian Daniel Jibola, and Algerian Hussein Dahiri. The futures of Libyan winger Mohamed Soula and Moroccan midfielder Mehdi Berrahma—both still under contract—will be decided by Maaloul in the coming weeks.

Preparations for the new season have already begun, with the squad set to begin training on the 16th of the month, followed by an overseas training camp. The Zain Premier League campaign kicks off on September 12.

In a bid to strengthen its squad for the upcoming First Division season, Yarmouk Club has signed former Al-Salmiya player Othman Al-Dosari. The move comes as the club looks to bounce back after finishing last in the Zain Premier League.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Aeyassah/Arab Times Staff