Saud Abdulhamid says European move cost him more than half his Saudi Pro League salary

Lens defender and Saudi Arabia international Saud Abdulhamid says he gave up more than half of the salary he earned in the Saudi Pro League to pursue a career in Europe.

The 25-year-old moved from Al-Hilal to Roma during the summer 2024 transfer window but struggled to establish himself in the starting XI. He joined Lens in 2025 and says the move has allowed him to feel more settled.

“It is normal for my salary to decrease when I move to Europe because they will not give me the same wages I was receiving in the Saudi Pro League,” Abdulhamid told Saudi channel Al Arabiya’s Al Mirmar programme.

“I believe I lost more than 50% of my salary, but I am comfortable with the situation I am in at the moment.”

Abdulhamid said a lack of opportunities and language difficulties contributed to his problems at Roma.

“When I moved, the circumstances were not suitable and I did not succeed in getting an opportunity,” he said. “There was also the language issue because I did not know Italian. Only three players could speak English, and they were the ones who passed on the manager’s instructions to me.”

He added that Saudi players were not well known at the Italian club, which made it difficult for him to earn trust.

“That changed significantly after I moved to Lens because half of the squad are Muslim, Arab or Moroccan. That made me much more comfortable,” he said.

“I was the one who asked to leave Roma because I was not getting an opportunity.”

No plans to return

Despite the challenges of adapting to European football, Abdulhamid said he had not considered returning to the Saudi Pro League and was not thinking about doing so now.

“I may have been sad at first because I was not playing for Roma, but I have never regretted moving to Europe because it was something I dreamed of,” he said.

“I do not like regretting what I have done because I know what I am doing. If I thought that way, I would never do anything.

“All I think about is that I made this decision and must see it through to the end. The decision was comfortable for me despite the difficulties, and I am working on learning so I can complete what I started.”

Abdulhamid said his ambition to play in the UEFA Champions League was another reason he had no desire to return to Saudi Arabia.

“I wanted to play in the Champions League and, when I went to Lens, the dream came true,” he said. “We competed for the French league and finished second.”

The defender said he still had further ambitions, including the possibility of playing in the Premier League.

“There are many dreams I have yet to achieve, so I am not thinking about returning to the Saudi Pro League until I have fulfilled them,” he said. “I am happy that people want me to come back, but I am focused on my work at present.

“My ambition has no limit. You might think I was joking if I told you about it. I want people to remember my name after my career ends, and I dream of playing in the Premier League.”