Big names hit the market as the Kuwaiti handball transfer window heats up

Al-Otaibi and Najeeb pose with Faraj Salem.

KUWAIT CITY, June 25: Local handball clubs have moved early in the summer transfer window as preparations intensify for the upcoming season, with several teams reshaping their squads ahead of new challenges.

Burgan Club has secured the signatures of goalkeeper Fahad Karam and winger Faraj Salem, both arriving from Qadsia following the latter’s withdrawal from senior competitions next season. The signings are part of Burgan’s strategy to strengthen its roster and maintain its competitive edge after recently winning the Asian Club Championship, with the team also set to compete in the World Club Championship in Cairo this September.

The club’s management continues to be active in the market, holding talks with multiple local players while also evaluating several foreign professionals to reinforce the squad further ahead of the new campaign.

Sources indicate that a significant pool of experienced players has become available in the summer “mercato” following the disbanding of Qadsia’s first team, alongside the expiry of several player contracts across other clubs. This has intensified competition in the transfer market, with names such as Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Mohammed Amer, Mishaal Abbas, and Mishari Siwayan among the most notable available options.

On the other hand, Kuwait Club is preparing for the return of several players from loan spells at Burgan, including Mohammed Ghaneem, Mohammed Bouyabes, and Hussein Al-Mutairi. The “Whites” have also strengthened their squad with the addition of Haider Dashti as they gear up for upcoming competitions.

Meanwhile, Sahel Club has completed the signing of Nasser Faraj as part of its plans for the 2026–2027 season. The move reflects the club’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its squad under both administrative and technical planning aimed at improving competitiveness.

Sahel had already added Serbian player Jovan Milisavljević, Brazilian Leandro da Silva, and Frenchman Nicolas Claire to its roster, in addition to appointing national coach Hussein Habib.

Kazma Club has also been active, securing Abdulaziz Salem from Qadsia on a two-season loan deal to strengthen its technical options for the coming season.

Further movement in the transfer market is expected in the coming days, as clubs continue to finalize their squads ahead of the new campaign.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff