Al-Khulood FC is making big moves under Ben Harburg’s new ownership, putting their efforts into growing young Saudi talent. The club got deals with six players from the SSDFT_EN program and is trying to get Miguel Carvalho on loan. They picked Des Buckingham to be head coach to lead this youth focused plan.
- Al-Khulood got deals with six players from the SSDFT_EN program.
- The club wants to get Miguel Carvalho for a one-season loan.
- Des Buckingham is the new head coach.
Al-Khulood’s Youth Development Focus
Al-Khulood Football Club is starting something big under American investor Ben Harburg and the Harburg Group’s new ownership. This purchase is really important for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan which wants to make clubs private and get international money. Instead of getting famous players like others do Al-Khulood is working on building up local talent. They already made deals with six promising players from the SSDFT_EN program but they still need the Sustainability Committee to say ok.
⚠️ Very interesting project brewing at Al-Kholood with new owner @BenHarburg! 🇺🇸
They’re going all-in on young Saudi talents from @SSDFT_EN — already have agreements with 6 players from the program, just waiting on Sustainability Committee approval. ✔️
They’ve also been linked with Al-Qadsiah’s Miguel Carvalho (20 years old) for a one-season loan, and on top of that, they’ve hired Des Buckingham as head coach — a guy who knows how to develop young players. 🏴006700620065006e0067007f
They’re clearly trying to build Al-Kholood’s future… but it’s a gamble. If it doesn’t work, it’s straight back to the First Division — and honestly, that’s what we think will happen. 😬
— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol)
August 15, 2025
This whole thing shows how they want to help young Saudi football players grow which fits with what the country wants to do in sports. Besides looking at local talent Al-Khulood also wants to bring in Miguel Carvalho from Al-Qadisiah for one season. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder who’s worth €300,000 is part of their plan to add more young talent to the team.
Strategic Appointments and Player Moves
Carvalho’s team right now Al-Qadisiah is doing really good in the Saudi Pro League which makes him an interesting choice. Also Al-Khulood got Des Buckingham as head coach who’s really good at helping young players get better. Getting him shows how serious they are about building a team for the future.
Even though Al-Khulood’s plan looks good it could be risky. How well they do depends a lot on if their young players develop and play good. If things don’t work out like they want Al-Khulood might end up going back down to the First Division. This shows how dangerous it can be to depend on young players in a tough league.
Challenges and Future Prospects
But if it works out it could be really good just like what Al Riyadh SC did when they started using more young players. The next few seasons will show if Al-Khulood can make their plan work for the long term.
To learn more about how Al-Qadisiah is doing and Talal Hajji’s record check out:
