The club said in a statement that the defender arrives to bolster the squad under regulations that allow a maximum of five foreign professionals on the field at any time. Souyad becomes the final overseas addition as Al-Arabi seeks greater consistency after an early campaign that has produced mixed results.
The club announcement listed Souyad’s previous clubs as MC Alger, JS Kabylie, CR Belouizdad, USM Khenchela and Moroccan side Mouloudia Oujda. He contributed to two runner-up finishes in the Algerian league during the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons while also helping capture the Algerian League Cup in 2021. Souyad additionally played a role in securing second place in the CAF Confederation Cup according to details released by the club.
A Qatar Football Association circular issued in July revised foreign player rules for the current season permitting clubs to register up to 10 professionals while maintaining the on-field limit of five alongside at least two talented players. The adjustments formed part of a broader restructuring that eliminated two lower divisions and introduced the new QSL 2 competition an executive committee decision from May confirmed. Al-Arabi’s completion of its foreign roster ensures full compliance ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Qatar Stars League tables show Al-Arabi in fourth position with six points from four matches including one win and three draws after scoring five goals and conceding three. The addition of Souyad comes as the team prepares for a testing run of away matches against top opponents later in the month. Recent assessments place the squad’s overall market value above 20 million euros with established foreign talents already integrated.
The same announcement from the club revealed that squad member Juma Abboud has received a call-up to the Syrian national team for the 2027 Asian Cup finals. Abboud’s selection underscores the growing international profile of players associated with Al-Arabi. Officials expect both developments to support squad morale during the ongoing campaign.
Souyad’s experience across North African competitions is anticipated to translate effectively to the demands of Asian football. The defender’s arrival concludes Al-Arabi’s transfer activity for the summer period as the league table begins to take shape. Club statements have emphasised the need for defensive reinforcement to challenge higher-placed sides such as Al-Sadd and Al-Rayyan.
