Al-Ittihad Confirms Signing of Houssem Aouar from Roma
In a significant move for the Saudi Pro League, Al-Ittihad has officially announced the acquisition of Houssem Aouar from AS Roma. The Algerian midfielder, who recently represented his national team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, joins the Saudi club as part of a finalized transfer deal.
Houssem-Eddine Chaâbane Aouar, born on June 30, 1998, began his professional career with Lyon, where he quickly made a name for himself. Despite being born in France and making one appearance for the French national team, Aouar switched his allegiance to Algeria, making his debut for the North African nation in June 2023. His performances at the Africa Cup of Nations and in World Cup qualifiers have been noteworthy, further establishing his credentials on the international stage.
Houssem Aouar’s Career Highlights
Aouar’s professional journey has seen him achieve several commendable milestones:
- Part of the Lyon squad that finished second in the Championnat National U19 in the 2015/2016 season.
- Won the Trophée des Champions in the 2016/2017 season.
- His first major trophy came in 2019 when he won the Emirates Cup.
- Finished as runners-up in the Coupe de la Ligue in the 2019/2020 season with Lyon.
In July 2023, Aouar made the move from Lyon to AS Roma on a free transfer. During his tenure at Roma, he made 16 Serie A appearances in the 2023-2024 season, scoring four goals. His performance in European competitions and domestic cups further solidified his reputation as a versatile and impactful midfielder.
Al-Ittihad’s Strategic Signings
Al-Ittihad, known for its robust squad featuring stars like N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, and Karim Benzema, has been actively bolstering its lineup. The addition of Houssem Aouar is seen as a strategic move to strengthen their midfield. The club’s recent form has been impressive, with notable victories in the King’s Cup and the Super Cup.
Al-Ittihad’s recent transfer activities have been aggressive:
- Acquired Fabinho from Liverpool for €46.7M.
- Signed Luiz Felipe from Real Betis for €25M.
- Active in loan deals, acquiring players like Ahmed Al Ghamdi and Saad Al Mosa from Al-Ettifaq.
Roma’s Transfer Activities
Roma, on the other hand, has also been busy in the transfer market. The club recently acquired:
- E. Le Fée from Rennes for €23M.
- Angeliño from RB Leipzig for €5.2M.
Despite these additions, the departure of Aouar marks a significant change in their midfield lineup.
Future Prospects for Al-Ittihad
As Houssem Aouar embarks on this new chapter with Al-Ittihad, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how his skills and experience will influence the Saudi club’s performance in both domestic and international competitions. The Saudi Pro League is becoming increasingly competitive, and Al-Ittihad’s strategic signings, including Aouar, are expected to play a crucial role in their quest for dominance.
