After a distinguished career spanning nearly 16 years with Al-Hilal, former Saudi international Salman Al-Faraj has made a significant move to Neom Club. The 34-year-old midfielder signed a two-year contract with Neom, as announced by both clubs on Sunday. This transfer marks a new chapter in Al-Faraj’s career, following a mutual agreement on a financial settlement between him and Al-Hilal.
The announcement was made public through a video on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter), titled “Salman Al-Faraj is here.” In the video, Al-Faraj confidently states, “I am here. I am Salman,” signaling his readiness for this new challenge. Al-Hilal also released a video titled “23 Gold… Salman Al-Faraj, a journey of glory,” showcasing key moments from his illustrious career with the club. During his time with Al-Hilal, Al-Faraj was a pivotal figure, contributing to the team’s success in winning the league, cup, and Saudi Super Cup titles.
The decision for Al-Faraj to leave Al-Hilal came after it was determined that the team’s Portuguese coach, Jorge Jesus, did not include him in his plans for the upcoming season. This prompted Al-Faraj to seek opportunities elsewhere, ultimately leading to his signing with Neom.
At Neom, Al-Faraj will join a lineup that includes notable players like Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazy and Brazilian forward Romarinho, both former Al-Ittihad stars. The team aims to ascend to the Saudi First Division, and Al-Faraj’s experience and leadership are expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
As Neom builds its squad with experienced players, the addition of Al-Faraj signifies the club’s ambition and commitment to competing at higher levels. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how Al-Faraj adapts to his new environment and contributes to Neom’s success in the upcoming seasons.