Transfers
Abha Club, AlUla and Qatar SC were also active in West Asia, with K League sides Hwaseong FC and Gimhae FC 2008 also bolstering their ranks for the second half of the season.
Mahzari makes Al Hilal move
Mahzari joined Al Hilal from Saudi Pro League rivals Al Taawoun on a permanent transfer, signing a three-year contract with the four-time Asian champions.
The 24-year-old, who can operate at right-back or in defensive midfield, is expected to join Simone Inzaghi’s squad at their pre-season training camp in Austria.
Al Hilal described Mahzari as “one of the best Saudi names in his position” following his performances for Al Ettifaq and Al Taawoun.
The Saudi Arabia player becomes the latest addition to Inzaghi’s squad following the arrival of Netherlands winger Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United.
Abha, meanwhile, secured the services of Saudi winger Majed Dawran on a free transfer, welcoming the 22-year-old with the message: “Calm in his decisions, strong in his performance.”
The club have also signed midfielder Faisal Al-Subiani on loan from Al Shabab, further strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, experienced midfielder Abdulmajeed Al Sulayhim joined AlUla Club on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Al Nassr Club.
AlUla said the move formed part of their efforts to add experience to the squad ahead of the new campaign.
Jude heads to Port FC
Port FC completed the signing of Jude Soonsup-Bell on a four-year contract after the forward’s spell with English side Grimsby Town came to an end.
The 22-year-old, who developed in the youth academies of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, becomes Port’s final addition ahead of a demanding 2026/27 campaign in which the Thai club are preparing to compete across five competitions.
Jude chose Port despite reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Europe and elsewhere in the Thai League, with the opportunity to feature in the AFC Champions League Elite™ and remain close to the Thailand national team among the factors behind the move.
The England-born forward switched his international allegiance to Thailand in 2025 and scored his first two international goals against Sri Lanka in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers.
Qatar SC add Luque
Qatar SC have strengthened their squad with the signing of Spanish midfielder Albert Luque from Muaither SC ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Luque moved to Muaither in the summer of 2025 before earning a switch to Qatar SC.
The signing forms part of Qatar SC’s preparations for a second season under Spanish head coach Tintin Marquez, with the club seeking to add greater quality and technical depth to their first-team squad.
The Kings finished sixth in the Qatar Stars League last season and will be aiming to improve on that position while also mounting a strong challenge in the Gulf Club Champions League.
Luque’s familiarity with Qatari football following his season with Muaither should help the midfielder settle quickly as Marquez continues shaping his squad for the twin domestic and regional challenges.
Iljutcenko reinforces Hwaseong
In Korea Republic, K League 2 side Hwaseong FC strengthened their forward line with the signing of experienced striker Stanislav Iljutcenko from Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
The German-Russian forward has spent eight seasons in Korean football, representing Pohang Steelers, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, FC Seoul and Suwon before completing his move to Hwaseong.
Known for his aerial ability, hold-up play and finishing, Iljutcenko brings extensive K League experience to a Hwaseong side looking to improve its attacking output during the remainder of the campaign.
“I’m happy to have joined Hwaseong FC and excited about the new challenge,” said Iljutcenko. “I will work with the team to achieve our goals.”
Gimhae FC 2008, meanwhile, signed 22-year-old Park Jae-hyun on loan from Daegu FC.
The versatile wide player can operate as a winger or full-back on either flank, with Gimhae highlighting his pace, penetrating runs and ability to contribute in both attack and defence.
The club said it expected Park’s arrival to “inject significant vitality into Gimhae’s attacking play” as it seeks to climb the K League 2 standings.
Photo: Al Hilal SFC
Related News
- ASEAN Championship
Group A: Singapore stay perfect; roaring start for Indonesia
- FIFA World Cup
Asian Review: Korea Republic
- Domestic Leagues
Central & South Asia Wrap: Alga remain unbeaten; Durand Cup kicks off
- Domestic Leagues
East Asia Wrap: Chengdu leave it late; Ulsan stun leaders Seoul
- WAFF U-17 Women's Championship
Syria lift second title
Item 1 of 5