Handball transfer market heats up ahead of new season

Kuwait Club player rises to shoot as he looks to find the back of the net during a match.

KUWAIT CITY, July 11: Kuwait's handball transfer market is shaping up to be one of the busiest in recent memory, with clubs moving aggressively to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Several teams have already stepped up efforts to secure marquee signings of players and coaches as competition intensifies for the country's top talent. While some deals have already been finalized, others are in the closing stages and await only official confirmation.

Transfer activity is expected to remain brisk in the coming weeks as clubs continue to bolster their rosters, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive season in Kuwaiti handball.

Among the latest developments, Al-Arabi is on the verge of completing two high-profile additions after reaching agreements with Burgan star Hamoud Qayed Al-Adwani and Kuwait Club standout Mohammad Amer.

Sources said the club has already agreed terms with both players, with only the formal signing of contracts and official announcement remaining. The duo is expected to strengthen Al-Arabi's title ambitions under national coach Hussain Habib.

Burgan has also been one of the busiest clubs in the market, completing a series of signings as it prepares for the new campaign and its participation in the IHF Club World Championship in Cairo this September.

The club has secured the services of Abdullah Al-Attiyah from Al-Qadsia, along with Hussain Salman, Bandar Al-Shammari, Mohammad Al-Bahar, Hassan Rajab, and Yousef Rajab from Al-Salmiya. Burgan has also signed Kuwait Club and national team goalkeeper Ali Safar, adding further depth and experience to the squad.

The recruitment drive is part of a broader plan by the club's management and coaching staff, led by national coach Yaqoub Al-Mousawi, to reinforce every area of the team with experienced and proven talent.

Fresh off its Asian Club Championship triumph, Burgan has raised expectations for the coming season and is determined to remain a major contender on both the domestic and international stage.

Club officials indicated that the transfer window remains active, with further additions still under consideration as Burgan looks to assemble the strongest possible squad for another title challenge.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff