Gabon national team talisman Aaron Boupendza will continue his adventure in the Middle East after completing a move to Saudi Professional League side Al-Shabab from Qatari club Al-Arabi this week. The 26-year-old’s transfer comes as a surprise to many after rumors persisted of a return to European club football but the CF Mounana youth product signed a three-year contract with Al-Shabab following a transfer for an unannounced fee.
Al-Shabab finished fourth place in the Saudi Pro League last season and will begin the 2022-23 season on August 26 with a matchup against Al Batin. Boupendza enjoyed success in Qatar with eight goals in sixteen Qatar Stars League appearances for Al-Arabi, thriving most in the 2022 QFA Cup where he scored three goals in the competition including one in the final which Arabi won 3-2 over Lusail Sports Club. The forward has 5 goals in 28 appearances for the Gabon national team where he has become the focal point of the Panthers’ attack following the retirement of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from international duty.
