Walid El Cheikh joins Al-Arabi as club reshapes foreign squad

16/09/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 16: Al-Arabi has strengthened its squad for the current season by signing Dutch player of Moroccan descent Walid El Cheikh.

The 26-year-old, who can operate in both midfield and attack, has gained experience with several European clubs. He previously played for the German side Eintracht Braunschweig and Dutch clubs Heracles, Roda JC Kerkrade, Volendam, and De Graafschap.

El Cheikh’s arrival follows the termination of the contracts of Senegalese forward Johar Rasoul and Brazilian player Leonardo Sheldon.

Al-Arabi is also searching for another foreign player to strengthen its defense, with coach Goran Sablic reviewing the profiles of several potential central defenders.

The club’s current foreign contingent includes Nigeria’s Anayo Iwuala, Palestine’s Zaid Qunbar and Ethiopia’s Kenan Malinco.

Al-Arabi sits 10th in the league standings with two points from three matches. It drew 1-1 with Kuwait Club and 3-3 with Sulaibikhat before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Al-Jahra.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabi will face Al-Jahra in a friendly at 6:00 pm today at Sabah Al-Salem Stadium.