Al-Shehri becomes 1st Leganes signing during winter transfer window

Madrid, Jan 22 (IANS) Top-tier Spanish football club Leganes on Monday was preparing to receive Saudi Arabian forward Yahya al-Shehri as part of a deal between the General Sports Authority of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and La Liga, in an effort to grow football in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Shehri is to join Leganes on loan until the end of the season from Al-Nassr FC, becoming the Spanish club's first signing during the winter transfer window, reports Efe.

"Leganes Sports Club signed on Sunday afternoon the Saudi Arabian left-footed striker Yahya al-Shehri, who played 37 matches for the first national team with whom he qualified for the 2018 World Cup, on loan from Al-Nassr," the club confirmed in a statement.

The 26-year-old player made 16 appearances with his club this season, scoring four goals and six assists.

As a part of a partnership initially announced in October, nine Saudi players are to join first and second division Spanish leagues to gain experience and help improve football in the kingdom.

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