# Belgian footballers transferring to Middle East clubs

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/belgian-footballers-transferring-to-middle-east-clubs
> Updated: 2026-08-22T17:47:15.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Reports indicate a trend of Belgian footballers seeking transfers to Middle Eastern clubs. Abdoulay Diaby, a 35-year-old striker and former Club Brugge and RSC Anderlecht player, has completed a transfer to Palm City in the United Arab Emirates. Diaby has previous experience playing in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Concurrently, Michy Batshuayi has moved from Eintracht Frankfurt to Abha Club in the Saudi Roshn League. While Batshuayi remained under contract with the German club until 2027, he had fallen out of head coach Adi Hütter’s plans after scoring four goals in 21 appearances. His departure is viewed as a strategic move for Eintracht Frankfurt to free up budget, as his base salary is reportedly approximately three million euros per year.

Following his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Batshuayi has been integrated into the Abha Club squad. Coach Damir Buric selected the Belgian striker for the starting lineup in a second-round Roshn League match against Al Ahly, marking his debut for the club.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Abha Club starts Michy Batshuayi for Roshn League match against Al Ahly

Abha Club coach Damir Buric starts new signing Michy Batshuayi against Al Ahly in the Saudi Roshn League, while Nabil Fekir remains on the bench.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abha-club-starts-michy-batshuayi-for-roshn-league-match-against-al-ahly

### 2026-08-16: Michy Batshuayi to join Abha Club from Eintracht Frankfurt

Michy Batshuayi is set to leave Eintracht Frankfurt for Saudi Arabian side Abha Club, following a period of limited impact in the Bundesliga.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michy-batshuayi-to-join-abha-club-from-eintracht-frankfurt

### 2026-08-16: Belgian footballers Diaby and Batshuayi target Middle East moves

Belgian footballers Abdoulay Diaby and Michy Batshuayi are making moves toward the Middle East, with Diaby joining Palm City in the UAE and Batshuayi targeting a transfer to Saudi Arabia.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belgian-footballers-diaby-and-batshuayi-target-middle-east-moves

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Cite as: Belgian footballers transferring to Middle East clubs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/belgian-footballers-transferring-to-middle-east-clubs