Saudi Pro League Blocks Morocco International's Transfer Due to Valuation Dispute
Morocco midfielder Mohamed Rabie Hrimat joined Qatar's Al-Shamal after a proposed move to Al-Ettifaq fell through due to a bizarre valuation by the Saudi league's recruitment committee.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / Author: Abdelali Bentarki
Morocco international midfielder Mohamed Rabie Hrimat saw his expected move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq collapse this summer due to an unconventional intervention by the league's recruitment committee.
According to reports from Asharq Al-Awsat, the committee insisted on valuing the 32-year-old player at just $1.5 million. This strict valuation proved to be a stumbling block in negotiations, ultimately scuppering the deal for Al-Ettifaq.
Instead, Hrimat secured a move to Qatari club Al-Shamal for approximately $2.5 million.
This incident has intensified existing frustrations among several Saudi clubs regarding the recruitment committee's oversight on player pricing. Many teams have voiced complaints that this centralized interference has stalled numerous potential transfers in recent times.
Hrimat previously gained prominence during the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar, where he played a pivotal role in the Atlas Lions' title-winning campaign and was awarded the tournament's best player honor.