Al-Shatti leaves Al-Arabi, and Firas is a candidate for his succession

The relationship between Al-Arabi Club and the first-team head coach, Nasser Al-Shatti, has ended after one season at the Green Fortress, during which he won the Crown Prince Cup title and finished as runners-up in the Premier League, despite his contract being valid for two seasons. As the club seeks a new coach to lead the Green team next season, the name of Syrian coach Firas Al-Khatib (former coach of Al-Fahaheel) is being strongly linked to the role, following reports that Al-Arabi intends to appoint Khaled Abdulqudoos as the football director.

In a related development, Al-Arabi Club announced the signing of Ethiopian international Kenan Maliko, who joins from Omani club Al-Shabab, as part of the club’s plan to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season, which is scheduled to begin on August 25 with the Premier League. Maliko was one of the standout professionals in the Omani League last season, finishing as the top scorer with 21 goals. He concluded the 2025-2026 season with a total of 25 goals across all competitions, including four goals in the AFC Challenge Cup while playing for Al-Shabab.

The 28-year-old player boasts diverse attacking capabilities, excelling as an attacking midfielder and efficiently playing as a left winger. His height of 190 cm gives him an advantage in aerial duels. Maliko has had a varied professional career, having represented Addis Ababa City, Adama City, Saint George, and Defense Force in the Ethiopian Premier League, along with two stints in the Libyan Premier League with Al-Madina and Al-Shabab, before moving to Al-Shabab in Oman. He has been a member of the Ethiopian national team since 2018, earning 30 caps and scoring five goals.

Meanwhile, the journey of Bahraini international midfielder Kamel Al-Aswad with Al-Arabi Club has come to an end following the expiration of his contract. The club’s management issued a message of thanks to the player, appreciating his contributions during his time with the Green team and wishing him success in his next chapter. Additionally, the club terminated the contract of defender Nasser Salem by mutual agreement, ending his two-year stint with the team.

In preparation for the new season, Al-Arabi had previously announced the signings of Talal Al-Qaissy and Ali Al-Dokhi. Al-Qaissy, a left winger, joins from Kazma, while Al-Dokhi, a forward, has previously played for Al-Shabab, Al-Fahaheel, and Kazma. These moves aim to enhance the team’s tactical options before the start of the season.