Aston Villa in pursuit of Asia's elite right-back from Saudi Pro League

Aston Villa have entered the race to sign highly-rated Saudi Arabian full-back Saud Abdulhamid from Al-Hilal this summer. The 24-year-old has caught the attention of several European clubs, with Nottingham Forest, Toulouse, and AS Roma also expressing interest in the talented defender.

According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa will have to fend off competition from Nottingham Forest and other European suitors to secure Abdulhamid's signature. The Saudi Arabian international is contracted to Al-Hilal until 2025, making this summer a pivotal time for the Saudi Pro League champions to capitalize on his value.

Aston Villa have already reached out to Abdulhamid's representatives, although official talks with Al-Hilal have not yet begun. The West Midlands club's interest in the full-back is fueled by their need to strengthen defensively, especially with the added challenges of Premier League and UEFA Champions League football next season.

Known for his defensive solidity and attacking flair, Abdulhamid could be an ideal addition to Aston Villa's squad. His physical attributes and technical ability make him well-suited to the demands of English football, and the chance to showcase his talents in the Premier League is likely to be an enticing prospect for the Saudi star.

While Aston Villa are leading the chase, they face stiff competition. Nottingham Forest, despite an initial approach, have cooled their interest as they explore alternative options. French outfit Toulouse is also in the mix but is taking a cautious approach. However, the most significant threat comes from AS Roma, who have stepped up their efforts to land Abdulhamid as they seek a replacement for Rasmus Kristensen and Rick Karsdorp.

Al-Hilal, meanwhile, are determined to retain the services of one of Asia's finest right-backs. The Saudi champions are currently in talks with Abdulhamid over a potential contract extension, adding a further obstacle to any potential transfer.

Aston Villa's need for a right-back like Abdulhamid is clear, with Matty Cash being their only recognized senior option in that position. Kosta Nedeljkovic, while a promising prospect, is not yet ready for regular first-team action. Abdulhamid's experience and competitive edge could provide the necessary depth and quality to bolster Villa's defensive ranks.

The Saudi full-back's potential move to Europe, amid interest from several clubs, underlines his growing stature in the game. For Aston Villa, securing Abdulhamid's signature could be a key piece of business as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of a demanding season on both domestic and European fronts.