Al Hazem have officially signed Algeria international Sofiane Bendebka on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Fateh.
The Saudi side confirmed the move on their social media channels, completing a deal first reported exclusively by Africafoot several days ago. Bendebka’s arrival is part of Al Hazem’s plans to strengthen their squad with experienced players ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season.
The signing ceremony took place at Al Hazem’s training camp in Tabarka, Tunisia, with Talal Al Abalan, the club’s chairman of the board, in attendance.
Africafoot had previously reported that negotiations between Bendebka and Al Hazem had reached an advanced stage. The club has now formally concluded the agreement, allowing the 33-year-old midfielder to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.
Bendebka returns to the Saudi Pro League after six successful seasons with Al Fateh. He joined the club in 2019 from MC Alger and quickly established himself as an important member of the team.
During his time with Al Fateh, the Algerian midfielder made 187 appearances, scoring 48 goals and providing 24 assists. Those figures represent a significant contribution from a player operating primarily in midfield.
His versatility, physical strength and experience are expected to add greater balance to Al Hazem’s midfield. The club were looking for a player capable of providing stability and leadership, and Bendebka’s record in the Saudi Pro League made him an attractive addition to their squad.
The move also makes Bendebka Al Hazem’s fourth foreign signing of the summer transfer window. He follows Guinea international Mory Konate, Tunisia’s Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida and Rwanda international Bonheur Mugisha.
Those arrivals form part of Al Hazem’s wider project to build a competitive team for the coming season. Bendebka’s experience of Saudi football, combined with his record of goals and assists from midfield, is expected to be central to the club’s recruitment strategy as they continue preparing for the new campaign.
