Al Taawoun Transfers 2024: Needs, Targets, Potential Signings and Outgoings

Al Taawoun Transfers 2024: An Overview

Al Taawoun was founded nearly 70 years ago but has only recently begun its ascent to the top of the Saudi footballing spectrum. Having finished fifth in the Pro League last season, the club have made a better start this time around. They are currently fourth in the SPL with 34 points from their 19 games so far.

At the beginning of the current campaign, manager Pericles Chamusca and the board chose a strategy of acquiring talented individuals from European clubs, albeit on loan. They roped in Musa Barrow (Bologna), Flavio (loan, Trabzonspor) and Mateus (Nagoya Grampus) to strengthen the squad and improve their chances of competing.

However, they are six points adrift of third-placed Al-Ahli and 12 points adrift of the AFC Champions League qualifying spots. In order to catch up with teams above them before this season ends or the new one begins, Al Taawoun will have to implement a solid and infallible strategy.

That being said, let’s take a look at what they may need.

Al Taawoun Transfers 2024: What do they need?

• Despite finishing fifth last year, Al Taawoun had a goal difference of just +12. This year, their GD is +10 after 19 games despite being a position higher in fourth. They need to score more as well as concede less.
• Al Taawoun have scored the fewest goals among the top seven teams in the Pro League this season, even fewer than the three teams below them in the table.
• However, they have conceded 22 goals, which is tied for the third-best defensive record in the league alongside Al-Ettifaq.
• Last season, midfielder Kaku contributed 21 goals and assists towards the team total but has since moved to Al-Ain, with the club yet to replace him with a player with similar output.
• None of the club’s players have hit double digits for combined goals and assists well past the halfway mark this year.

It is clear that Al Taawoun’s problems mainly lie on the offensive side of things. Defensively, they have exceeded expectations so far and will look to carry on in the same way.

They need to sign a playmaker or a traditional ‘number 10’ who will pull the strings and create more chances for the forwards. Additionally, they also need a proven striker who could provide consistent output throughout the season. Al Taawoun could also dive into the market for a deep-lying playmaker to improve ball progression.

ALSO READ: Al-Ahli Saudi Transfers 2024: Needs, Targets, Potential Signings and Outgoings

Al Taawoun Transfers 2024: Potential Targets & Signings

Anwar El Ghazi

El Ghazi was controversially sacked by former employer Mainz 05 in November 2023 after his pro-Palestinian stance was deemed to be against the ideals of the club. However, the versatile forward is only 28 and still has plenty in the tank.

The former Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Aston Villa player has made 329 professional appearances in his career so far, scoring 79 goals and providing 41 assists. El Ghazi is a tall and strong player who likes running directly and taking on opponents. The Dutchman uses his physicality well and can also strike the ball sweetly with both feet. He can play as a target man, a second striker or even a wide forward.

Currently a free agent, Al Taawoun could take their chances and approach the player’s camp should they be in search for a forward anytime soon.

Josef Martinez

The Venezuelan centre-forward has been a free agent since the beginning of this year after his contract with Inter Miami expired and could be a valuable coup for Al Taawoun if they can lure him.

Known for his strength, agility and pace, Martinez is a tough customer and a formidable forward. He makes smart runs in behind defences and is also moderately good in the air despite his 5’9 stature. He can strike the ball with both feet and can also play as a second striker or off the left wing.

Martinez has bagged 176 goals in nearly 400 professional appearances, chipping in with 40 assists as well and could be a valuable addition to an Al Taawoun side desperate for goals.

Yann M’Vila

The former Stade Rennais and Olympiacos midfielder was once a hot prospect on the radars of top clubs in Europe including Arsenal and Juventus. Known for his combative style of play and aggressive approach to the game, Yann M’Vila has had a fairly successful and lengthy career at the top level.

With 517 appearances under his belt, the Frenchman has scored 16 goals and provided 29 assists. He has also made 22 appearances for his nation and will bring with him valuable experience should Al Taawoun decide to acquire his services.

M’Vila has been without a club since August 2023 when his deal with former employers Olympiacos expired, and is another free agent waiting to be signed.

Al Taawoun Transfers 2024: Potential Departures

As of now, none of the core group are keen on leaving, with manager Pericles and the team focussed on uplifting Al Taawoun’s status and making them one of the clubs that will regularly challenge for silverware in the future.

ALSO READ: Al-Ettifaq Transfers 2024: Needs, Targets, Potential Signings and Outgoings.