Nottingham Forest are reportedly ready to take on Aston Villa in an attempt to sign World Cup right-back
Nottingham Forest are reportedly competing with Premier League rivals Aston Villa to acquire right-back Saud Abdulhamid.
Right-back Abdulhamid, 24, has emerged as a vital player for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal, who have 31 victories and three draws in 34 games this season. He also represented Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup and helped his club reach the Asian Champions League semi-finals.
However, he has 12 months left on his contract and is said to be eager to pursue his career ambitions and relocate to Europe. Toulouse has supposedly made an approach, while TeamTalk reports that Forest and Villa are among the clubs attempting to secure a trade this summer.
Al-Hilal are “open to letting” the defender leave because negotiations to prolong his contract are “not yet in the hot stage.”
They are one of the Saudi Pro League clubs that are 75 percent owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which also owns 80 percent of Newcastle United.
His teammates include former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves and ex-Newcastle and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who will compete against England at the Euros against Serbia.
In the recently concluded season, Nuno Espirito Santo employed Neco Williams, Serge Aurier, Gonzalo Montiel, and Ola Aina at right back for Forest.
Williams missed the run-in due to injury, but, like Aina, he can play on either side and is seen as a key player at the City Ground.
