Marquini set for Al Arabi move as Kuwait Club strengthens ahead of final

Ethiopian striker Kenian Marquini

KUWAIT CITY, May 3: Ethiopian striker Kenian Marquini is on the verge of joining Al Arabi ahead of the 2026–2027season, after both sides reached full agreement on all contract terms. The official announcement is expected in the coming days.

The deal was secured despite competition from several local clubs, with Al Arabi winning the race for the player’s signature.

Marquini (born 1998) currently plays for Oman’s Al Shabab Club and featured in the AFC Challenge League, where he scored four goals before his team was eliminated by Kuwait Club in the quarter-finals. He is also the top scorer in the Oman League with 18 goals this season.

The transfer is valued at around $220,000 per season—nearly doubles his current salary in Oman—while the contract duration has not yet been officially confirmed.

This move follows Al Arabi’s decision to release four foreign players: Hassam Fadiga (France), Zaid Qanbar (Palestine), Nabil Marmouk (Morocco), and Bahrain’s Kameel Al-Aswad. The club has retained Christopher John, who will remain on loan after spending the season with Iraq’s Erbil. At the same time, Nigerian striker Ayano Ewala also stays under contract until the following season.

Kuwait Club continues its preparations at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium ahead of hosting Cambodia’s Svay Rieng on May 13 in the AFC Challenge League final.

Training sessions are taking place in a positive atmosphere, with the squad now complete and no injury concerns reported.

The club has also strengthened its squad for next season by signing former Al Salmiya striker Mohannad Al-Muhamid after the expiry of his contract with the “Sky Blues”.

Al Qadsia resumed training earlier this week after a short break following its exit from the Gulf Champions League.

Assistant coach Saleh Al-Sheikh led the session in the absence of head coach Tunisian Nabil Maaloul, who is on special leave.

Bahraini midfielder Mahdi Hamidan has already joined training, while the remaining foreign professionals are expected to arrive in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Abdulaziz Wadi continues his rehabilitation program at the club, working toward a return after being sidelined since February due to injury.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff