Saudi Gazette report

LENS, France — Saudi Arabia international right-back Saud Abdulhamid has joined Ligue 1 side RC Lens on a season-long loan from AS Roma, with an option to buy, becoming the first Saudi player to feature in France’s top flight.

The 26-year-old arrives after a year in Italy, where he became the first Saudi to play in Serie A and made appearances in both the league and UEFA Europa League.

He previously enjoyed a decorated domestic career with Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, winning multiple Saudi Pro League titles, King’s Cups, and reaching the AFC Champions League semifinals.

A product of Al-Ittihad’s academy in his hometown of Jeddah, Abdulhamid made his professional debut in 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the Kingdom’s most consistent full-backs.

His performances earned him a move to Al-Hilal in 2022, where he played a pivotal role in their domestic dominance and memorable 2023 FIFA Club World Cup campaign, which included a victory over Manchester City.

Internationally capped 38 times, Abdulhamid represented Saudi Arabia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, starting in all three group-stage matches, including the historic 2-1 win over eventual champions Argentina.

RC Lens sporting director Jean-Louis Leca praised the signing, citing Abdulhamid’s “dynamism, explosiveness and combativeness” as ideal for the club’s high-intensity style.

“He fits perfectly into our three-at-the-back system, offers quality delivery from wide areas, and can contribute both in possession and on the counterattack,” Leca said.

Abdulhamid will wear the No. 23 shirt and aims to adapt quickly to Ligue 1, bringing both his experience in Asian football and his European exposure in Italy to Pierre Sage’s squad.