Iraqi channel Al-Rabiaa Al-Riyadiya reported that Al-Ettifaq have opened talks with Al-Nassr over a move for Haidar Abdulkarim in the upcoming winter transfer window and want him on loan until the end of the current season.
Progress of winter loan talks
According to Al-Rabiaa Al-Riyadiya, Al-Ettifaq are targeting Abdulkarim for the winter transfer window and are seeking a loan deal that would run through to the end of the current campaign. The channel reported that discussions have begun between the clubs over this proposed arrangement.
Al-Nassr’s stance and loan considerations
GOAL reported that Al-Nassr do not want to sell Abdulkarim permanently and want him to gain more minutes and experience on loan. GOAL also reported that Al-Nassr are reluctant to include a purchase option partly because Al-Zawraa are owed 15% of any resale value and because the club's financial controls would block them from signing a replacement if Abdulkarim left permanently in the winter window.
Abdulkarim’s move to Al-Nassr and last season’s spell
Abdulkarim joined Al-Nassr from Iraq's Al-Zawraa in January in a 500,000 dollar deal, plus 15% of any future resale. Former Al-Nassr boss Jorge Jesus gave Abdulkarim first-team chances in the second half of last season, particularly in the AFC Champions League 2.
In that spell, Abdulkarim made six appearances and played 186 minutes: five appearances in the AFC Champions League 2 and one in the Roshn League, with no goals or assists.
This season’s role and team positions
Under first-team head coach Ange Postecoglou, Abdulkarim has not featured this season in the Roshn League, the King's Cup or the AFC Champions League Elite. Abdulkarim's role is restricted to Al-Nassr's under-21 side in the Joy League Elite, the Saudi under-21 competition.
Al-Nassr's under-21 side sit ninth on 14 points, from four wins, two draws and two defeats. Al-Nassr's first team lie third in the Roshn League on 28 points, two behind leaders Al-Hilal and behind second-placed Al-Qadsiah on goal difference.
