In this file photo, Egyptian striker Hamdi celebrates after scoring a goal.

KUWAIT CITY, July 5: Al-Arabi launched its recruitment campaign ahead of the new season by targeting Egyptian striker Marawan Hamdi. The club has formally approached Egypt’s Pyramids FC to secure the player on a one-season loan deal valued at $300,000, according to sources.

Hamdi, born November 15, 1996, has represented prominent Egyptian clubs including Zamalek, Al-Masry, Smouha, and Misr El-Makkasa, and has also featured for the Egyptian national team.

Al-Arabi has so far renewed the contracts of its two Nigerian professionals, Emmanuel Iwala and Christopher John. However, the club has opted not to extend the contracts of Algerian defender Sofiane Bouchar, Moroccan forward Hamza Khaba, and Bahraini midfielder Kamil Laaswad.

The Green Falcons are also awaiting the announcement of a new head coach following the departure of national coach Nasser Al-Shatti after contract renewal negotiations reached a deadlock.

Meanwhile, Al-Qadsiya is close to finalizing a deal with former Tunisian international Haythem Jouini. The 32-year-old striker, who most recently played for Dibba Al-Hisn in the UAE, is expected to sign soon after reaching advanced stages of negotiations.

Under the guidance of Tunisian coach Nabil Maaloul, Al-Qadsiya is undergoing a significant foreign player overhaul. The club has already parted ways with Moroccan Ismail Khafi, Nigerian Daniel Jibola, and Algerian Hussein Dhiri. Maaloul will soon decide the future of Libyan Mohamed Soula and Moroccan Mehdi Berrahma, who remain under contract for one more season.

Additionally, Al-Qadsiya is in talks with other foreign prospects, including 25-year-old Algerian midfielder Ghilas Kenaoui, who played for ES Sétif and Egypt's Port Said, and 32-year-old defender Ayoub Abdellaoui, formerly of MC Alger, USM Alger, and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq.

The team will resume training on July 16, ahead of an external preseason camp, in preparation for the Zain Premier League’s kickoff on September 12.

Fahaheel continues its preparations for the new season with key signings under the leadership of Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib. The club has announced the arrival of Brazilian defender Brendon Lucas, who will join fellow countryman Vitor da Silva in the squad.

Fahaheel has also bolstered its local talent by signing first-division top scorer Ali Al-Dokhi and former Al-Qadsiya midfielder Salman Al-Boos, signaling its intent to compete strongly in the upcoming campaign.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff