Qadsia completes triple swoop, Arabi faces Al Shatti dilemma

Kuwaiti club Qadsia is bolstering its squad for the 2026-27 season with the acquisition of three foreign players. Oman international striker Abdulrahman Al Mushaifri, 27, joins from Czech side Artis Brno, where he helped the team reach promotion playoffs. Moroccan forward Hamza Khaba returns to Kuwaiti football after a stint with AS FAR in Morocco, having previously been the league's top scorer during his time with Arabi. Nigerian defender Gabriel Orok, 25, arrives from Libyan club Al Ahly Benghazi. Qadsia is set to announce further signings before heading to Alexandria, Egypt, for preseason training later this month. The club will represent Kuwait in the AFC Challenge League.

Meanwhile, the future of Arabi head coach Nasser Al Shatti remains uncertain, despite his contract extending until June 2028. Reports suggest a deterioration in relations between Al Shatti and the club's board. Syrian coach Firas Al Khatib, who previously managed Fahaheel, has emerged as the primary candidate to succeed Al Shatti.

Arabi is also active in strengthening its playing roster. The club has signed Ethiopian attacking midfielder Kenan Maleko and confirmed the departure of Bahrain international Kamil Al Aswad. Additionally, Arabi has recruited Talal Al Qaisi from Kazma and Ali Al Dukhi. Arabi faces a crucial continental match on August 12 against India's East Bengal in the AFC Champions League Two qualifying playoff.

Kuwait Club has also been busy in the transfer market, signing Kuwait international midfielder Abdullah Al Qarzai from Arabi. Al Qarzai is the third domestic signing for Kuwait Club, following defender Hassan Hamdan and striker Salman Al Awadhi, both also acquired from Arabi. Under new Portuguese head coach Alexandre Santos, Kuwait Club anticipates more player additions before commencing its preseason training for the AFC Champions League Two campaign.