Former Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara has officially joined Al-Shabab on loan after a difficult spell at Rennes in Ligue 1.
Kamara, who moved to the French club for £8 million last summer, struggled for regular playing time under Jorge Sampaoli, leading to his exclusion from first-team training sessions.
The Finnish international has now opted for a fresh start in the Saudi Pro League, where he will play under sporting director Pavel Nedved, a former Ballon d’Or winner.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Kamara stated, “Al-Shabab is an ambitious club, and I’m looking forward to making a real impact here.”
Kamara’s move to Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the league is attracting top European talent, with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar already plying their trade there.
At Al-Shabab, he is expected to add depth and experience to the midfield as the club pushes for a strong league finish.
A club representative welcomed the signing, saying, “Glen brings international experience and quality to our squad, and we believe he will be a key player for us.”
Kamara will soon face some of the biggest names in world football as he looks to rebuild his career in a new league.
FIFA has revealed that international soccer clubs spent a staggering $8.59 billion on international transfers in 2024, marking the second-highest figure in history, just behind 2023's record-breaking $9.63 billion.
The Global Transfer Report highlighted a record 22,779 international transfers in men's soccer, with English clubs leading the spending spree.
Paris Saint-Germain emerged as the top European spender, while Julian Alvarez’s transfer from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid was the most expensive deal, valued at approximately $78.26 million plus add-ons.
The surge in spending reflects the growing financial muscle of top clubs, with FIFA’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer Emilio García Silvero stating, “The financial strength of clubs, particularly in Europe, continues to shape the global transfer market.”
Women's soccer also saw significant growth, with a record $15.6 million spent on international transfers.
Chelsea and Bay FC were the biggest spenders, with Chelsea's acquisition of Naomi Girma becoming the first million-dollar transfer in women's soccer history.
FIFA's Director of Football Regulatory James Kitching noted, “The increasing investments in women’s football are a clear sign of the sport’s global rise.”
The report revealed a 4.3% increase in amateur soccer transfers, further showcasing the sport’s expanding international reach.
Speaking on the future of transfers, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “We continue to see record-breaking numbers, and we expect even greater movement as clubs invest more in top talent worldwide.”
With clubs spending at an unprecedented rate, the global transfer market remains a key driver in the evolving landscape of football.
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