A file photo of Haroun Ahmed (left) battling for the ball (unseen) during Dohuk and Al-Al-Qadsiya match in Gulf Champions League.

KUWAIT CITY, July 22: Al-Qadsiya is actively pursuing Iraqi star Haroun Ahmed as part of its plans to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming season. According to Iraqi media reports, the club has entered serious negotiations with the 29-year-old Dohuk SC standout to bring him into the Kuwaiti Premier League.

Haroun, who excels in both midfield and attacking roles, delivered a standout campaign in the recent Gulf Champions League. He was named the tournament’s Best Player after guiding Dohuk to its first-ever title. He also helped his team win the Iraq Cup for the first time in club history.

Al- Al-Qadsiya’s Tunisian head coach, Nabil Maaloul, is seeking to finalize key signings before the team departs for its training camp in Turkey in mid-August, as preparations intensify for the Zain Premier League season, which begins on September 12.

The club currently features Moroccan Mehdi Berrahma and Libyan Mohamed Soula. The future of fellow Moroccan Ismail Khafi remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire next June.

Kuwait Club has parted ways with Moroccan defender Amin Abu Al-Fath, who recently completed a move to Wydad Casablanca. The club expressed gratitude for his contributions, which helped secure multiple titles during his time with the team.

Abu Al-Fath becomes the second departure this off-season following the exit of his compatriot Yahya Jabrane.

In turn, Kuwait Club has bolstered its ranks with the signing of English midfielder of Egyptian origin Sam Morsy. The club also renewed contracts for key foreign players: Bahrain's Mohammed Marhoon, Congo’s Arsène “Malik” Zola, and Tunisia’s Yassine Khenissi.

Syrian defender Abdullah Al-Shami is back in Kuwaiti football, having agreed to join Yarmouk SC for the new season.

Al-Shami previously played for Al-Nasr and Al-Fahaheel and brings with him experience from regional stints with Al-Salt (Jordan), Al-Ahly and Al-Masry SC (Egypt), and Al-Tali’aa (Syria).

He joins a growing list of foreign professionals at Yarmouk under national coach Zaher Al-Adwani, including Tunisian Hazem Haj Hassan, Malian Moriba Dialle, Ghanaian Robin Akwa, Congolese Lusoko, and former Al-Salmiya player Othman Al-Dosari.

Al-Nasr Club has announced its preseason preparations will begin this Friday under the guidance of Tunisian head coach Jamil Belkacem. The team will train locally until early August before departing for a training camp in Turkey, where they are scheduled to play four friendly matches.

Meanwhile, the club is reviewing profiles of several foreign players as it looks to finalize the signing of a fifth professional, focusing on strengthening the attacking line. Al-Nasr has already renewed contracts with four key players: Tunisians Hossam El-Habasi and Hekal El-Sheikhawi, Libyan Moatasem El-Lafi, and Serbian forward Nemanja Kujic.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff