When Glen Kamara left Rangers in the summer of 2023, he did so hoping that a future awaited him in the English Premier League.
And if Leeds had shown up in that play-off final – Daniel Farke’s team swatted aside by Southampton in what turned out to be a bit of a non-event at Wembley – perhaps the one-time Ibrox stalwart would be sharing a pitch these days with Kevin de Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Martin Odegaard and co, testing himself against some of the finest midfielders European football has to offer.
Instead, former Rangers favourite Glen Kamara finds himself moving clubs for the third time in less than two years. He left Leeds for Rennes shortly after Adam Armstrong’s Wembley winner consigned the Yorkshire giants to another season of second-tier football.
Kamara endured a ‘disappointing’ spell in France during the brief and unhappy reign of Jorge Sampaoli. As such, he presumably did not need much convincing when Al-Shabab came calling with an escape rope and the promise of a fresh start.
While his dreams of battling De Bruyne, Fernandes and Odegaard may have died a sorry death, at least Kamara can still test his mettle amongst such luminaries as Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Former Rangers favourite Glen Kamara moves to Saudi Arabia
Kamara joins Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Shabab on loan from Rennes, with the option to make the deal permanent.
And while Al-Shabab have a couple of recognisable names of their own – former Atletico Madrid ace Yannick Carrasco and ex-Wolves playmaker Daniel Podence for instance – it is in the boardroom where their most familiar face lies.
Kamara, during his unveiling on Tuesday, could be spotted standing shoulder to shoulder with none over than Pavel Nedved.
A Juventus legend and the 2003 Ballon D’Or winner, Nedved now works as the sporting director at Al Shabab and therefore played a big role in Kamara’s switch to a club now under the stewardship of veteran former Turkey coach Fatih Terim.
Steven Gerrard explains Al-Ettifaq exit amid Carlisle United links
Interestingly, the Finland international arrives in the Middle East as his ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard bids farewell to Saudi Arabia.
Despite the best efforts of another with Rangers on his CV – Fashion Sakala scored 19 league goals for Al-Ettifaq last season – Gerrard’s desert adventure ended with his team mired in mid-table with more losses to their name than wins.
“I want to express my gratitude to the club, the players, the fans and everyone involved for the opportunity and the support during my time here,” Gerrard said after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
“From the first day, I was warmly welcomed and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture. So overall, I have learnt a lot and it’s been a positive experience personally and for my family as well.
“Football is unpredictable and sometimes things don’t go the way we want. However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country. I have no doubt that the work being done will bring success in the future and I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season.”
Gerrard has been linked with a shock return to English football in recent days with fourth-tier strugglers Carlisle United. How his stock has fallen since celebrating the Premiership title together with Kamara as recently as 2021.
