Transfers
Punjab FC strengthened their defence with Patrick Bahanack, Hinata Kida completed a permanent switch to JEF United Ichihara Chiba and Jessika Nash returned to Australia with Melbourne City.
Guiagon moves to Saudi Arabia
Al Taawoun have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Guiagon from Belgian side Sporting Charleroi.
The 25-year-old, who registered 26 goals and 18 assists in 108 appearances during three seasons with Charleroi, has reportedly signed a deal running until 2029.
Guiagon joins an Al Taawoun side preparing for their AFC Champions League Two 2026/27™ campaign, where the Saudi Arabian club will begin their challenge against Oman’s Al Nahda in Group C.
Al Taawoun also strengthened their defence with the signing of Ecuadorian centre-back Jair Colahoazo on a season-long loan with an option to buy, with the 20-year-old having made 49 appearances, scoring twice and providing one assist.
Al Hamadi joins Wednesday
Iraq international Al Hamadi will spend the 2026/27 season with Sheffield Wednesday after completing a loan move from Ipswich Town.
The 24-year-old striker, who featured in all three of Iraq’s matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026, spent part of last season on loan at Luton Town.
“What people are getting is a really hungry Ali at this moment. I'm feeling the best I've felt physically and mentally for a long time. You can expect someone who gives their all and wears a heart on their sleeve.
“I was impressed by the manager’s attention to detail, his human nature and how he gets you as a person. That's part of it sometimes, just having a good connection with the manager.” said Al Hamadi.
Bahanack bolsters Punjab
Punjab FC have strengthened their defence with the acquisition of Cameroonian centre-back Bahanack.
The 29-year-old arrives after playing for Ethnikos Achna in Cyprus, having previously featured for Stade Reims, Ergotelis, Lamia, Niki Volos and Levadiakos.
“I’m extremely proud to join a club with such an ambitious vision. Punjab FC’s project under Roundglass Sports instantly appealed to me, and I’m highly motivated to embrace this new challenge,” said Bahanack.
Kida ends Cerezo stay
In Japan, midfielder Kida completed a permanent transfer from Cerezo Osaka to JEF United Ichihara Chiba.
The 26-year-old came through Cerezo’s youth system and made 64 J1 League appearances for the Osaka club, as well as representing Japan at various youth levels.
Elsewhere, defender Shumpei Naruse joined Kanto Soccer League Division One outfit Nankatsu SC after his spell with Kashiwa Reysol.
Nash returns to Australia
Melbourne City secured the services of Australia defender Nash on a two-year contract following her stint with Italian side Sassuolo.
The 21-year-old returns to the A-League Women having previously lifted the championship with Central Coast Mariners, with City preparing to defend their domestic titles as well as compete in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™.
“The ambition of the club, the quality within the squad and the opportunity to compete for silverware both in Australia and Asia were all big reasons why I wanted to come here,” said Nash.
Adelaide United, meanwhile, added American forward Tessa Salvestrin on a one-year contract following her spell with Portugal’s SCU Torreense.
The 22-year-old was part of a successful Torreense side that lifted the Portuguese Cup, Super Cup and League Cup before making the switch to Australia.
Brisbane Roar, meanwhile, signed former Adelaide United captain Isabel Hodgson, with the experienced defender making the move after 11 seasons with the South Australian club.
Aissa joins Al Shamal
Qatar’s Al Shamal have added Algerian midfielder Nassim Ben Aissa from Al Markhiya as they strengthen their squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
Al Shamal kicked off their Qatar Stars League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Al Arabi and will also be challenging for the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27™, with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad Club their opening opponents.
Photo: AFP
