Saudi and international sports witnessed rapid developments over the past 24 hours, led by the movements of Saudi clubs in the summer transfer market, and the preparations of national teams and players for the new season. Meanwhile, the international arena was not devoid of important news in football, tennis, basketball, and Formula 1.

In a step reflecting the ambitions of Saudi football, Al-Hilal Club officially announced the signing of Dutch midfielder Crescencio Samerville from English club West Ham United for four seasons. The signing ceremony took place at the team's camp in Austria, in the presence of the club's board chairman Prince Nawaf bin Saad. The club revealed that the entire value of the deal was covered by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, in generous support that enhances the club's standing.

In a related context, Al-Nassr Club obtained a financial efficiency certificate that allows it to conclude new deals during the ongoing summer transfer window, according to private sources. The restrictions imposed by the Financial Supervision Committee are still in place, and the club awaits their lifting to complete contracting procedures and player contract renewals.

Al-Diriyah Club also finalized the signing of Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who ended his stint with English club Everton, for one season with an option to extend for an additional season. Gueye has extensive experience, having played 569 matches in his professional career, including 135 international matches for his country.

As for Al-Shabab Club, defender Ali Al-Asmari joined the team's camp in Austria, one day after his loan from Neom Club was extended for another season. Al-Asmari had played on loan for Al-Shabab in the second half of last season, making 13 appearances. The camp extends until August 5 and includes four friendly matches, including a match against Emirati club Al-Nasr and Qatari club Al-Ahli.

Football.. Saudi Al-Hilal signs Dutchman Crescencio Samerville

Al-Hilal includes Dutchman Crescencio Samerville from English West Ham

Al-Nassr approaches summer deals after obtaining financial efficiency certificate

Al-Diriyah officially signs Senegalese Idrissa Gueye for one season

Ali Al-Asmari joins Austria camp after loan renewal

World football: Movements in the transfer market and new appointments

At the international level, English club Manchester City placed Portuguese Pedro Neto, a Chelsea player, on the list of targeted wingers in anticipation of the departure of Brazilian Savinho, whom Tottenham has expressed interest in signing. City is also monitoring Senegalese Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain and Ivorian Yan Diomande from Leipzig, according to the Daily Mail.

In Spain, Barcelona will host Egyptian counterpart Al-Ahly in the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou on August 19, the first match for an Arab and African team in the tournament. The agreement came during a visit by a delegation from Al-Ahly Football Company to Spain, as part of the friendly relations between the two clubs.

As for the Belgium national team, the Belgian Football Association announced the appointment of Dutchman Mark van Bommel as the new coach, succeeding Frenchman Rudy Garcia, with a contract extending until the 2028 European Championship. The appointment comes after Belgium reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup under Garcia's leadership.

Manchester City aims to sign Pedro Neto and European duo in anticipation of Savinho's departure

Egypt's Al-Ahly to play Joan Gamper Trophy against Barcelona on August 19

Football.. Dutchman Van Bommel appointed new coach of Belgium national team

Tennis and Formula 1: Absences and criticism

In the world of tennis, organizers of the Montreal Masters announced the withdrawal of world No. 1 Italian Jannik Sinner and Serbian Novak Djokovic, the record holder for most Grand Slam titles, from the tournament scheduled for next month. Sinner attributed the decision to prioritizing his health after his Wimbledon campaign where he won the title, while Djokovic exited in the semi-finals.

In the Hamburg Open, German Tamara Korpatsch booked her place in the semi-finals after defeating Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina, to face Egyptian Mayar Sherif who beat Spanish Paula Badosa. In the other half, Hungarian Anna Bondar meets Armenian Elena Avanesyan.

In Formula 1, British driver Lando Norris of McLaren criticized the dominance of commercial decisions in the championship, stressing the importance of remembering that it is primarily a sport. His comments came amid drivers' complaints about new regulations that limited their speed, especially during the Belgian Grand Prix, noting that Audi's entry into the championship necessitated changes that were not ideal.

Absence of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic from Montreal tennis tournament scheduled next month

Korpatsch makes her way to Hamburg semi-finals to face Sherif

Lando Norris criticizes dominance of commercial decisions in Formula 1

Basketball and swimming: Transfers and local participations

In the NBA, LeBron James, aged 41, announced his joining of the Philadelphia 76ers for the upcoming season, coming from the Los Angeles Lakers. James, a four-time NBA MVP, hopes to lead his new team to the championship title.

At the local level, the age-group swimming team of Al-Salam Club in Al-Awamiya is participating in the Kingdom's Championship in Riyadh, hosted by the capital at the Ministry of Sports swimming pool from July 23 to 26. The participation aims to enhance competition among clubs and develop swimmers' levels.

LeBron James decides to join Philadelphia 76ers next season

Al-Salam Club participates with swimming team in Kingdom's Championship in Riyadh

These news confirm the keenness of Saudi clubs to strengthen their ranks in preparation for the new season, with continued interest in various sports locally and globally. Eyes remain focused on the moves of clubs and players in the coming period.