Football Season Guide

Finished as runner-ups in the First Division last season and with this secured direct promotion. Secured 20 wins in 34 rounds and played attractive football all campaign. Portuguese manager Mario Silva impressed with his modern approach in his first year in charge. He will be looking to build on that this campaign. Al Najma are trying to improve the quality of the squad, already added 15 new players to the ranks this summer. Sylla Sow scored 12 league goals last season and the Dutch striker is happy to stay. His main partner Léo Tilica, also 12 league goals last season, has left though. Honduras veteran Romell Quioto is signed to replace him. He is more of a typical target-man, so Sow will have extra freedom to exploit pockets of space. Talented David Tijanic arrived from the Turkish top flight and he is also projected to become a key figure. He is an attacking midfielder and will be tasked to create chances. The back line needed rebuilding. New arrivals Caetano and El Yamiq are likely to become the new starting pair of center-backs. Still on the lookout for a new main goalkeeper after Max Walef’s departure. Last season operated with a lot of width but right now there are only two natural wingers on the books. New such players will likely be signed soon. Still, it’s not ideal that coach Silva wasn’t given enough weapons out wide when he likes so much to load up on either flank depending on the opposition’s weaknesses.