Al-Shabab sign Al-Bulaihi, caption seen as dig at Al-Hilal | OneFootball

Al-Shabab have signed Saudi international defender Ali Al-Bulaihi, unveiling him with a caption some viewed as a dig at neighbours and rivals Al-Hilal.

The club said in a statement on their X account that he had agreed a one-season deal. The accompanying line, "Ali Al-Bulaihi at the biggest club of the capital", echoed a phrase Al-Hilal fans use for their own team.

The 36-year-old arrives on a free transfer, hours after a financial settlement with Al-Hilal in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

It is a return to familiar ground, as he spent the second half of last season on loan at Al-Shabab from Al-Hilal.

Al-Bulaihi departs Al-Hilal after nine years, having joined from Al-Fateh in summer 2017. He made 263 appearances and scored 23 goals, helping secure 14 trophies, including five Saudi League titles and two AFC Champions League crowns.

Source: Goal.com

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