Informed sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat about prior coordination between the administrations of Neom and Al Shabab; there was an initial idea for a swap deal where Al Shabab would sign Portuguese goalkeeper Louis Maximiano, a Neom player, in exchange for the departure of English midfielder Josh Brownhill from Al Shabab to Neom, but the negotiations did not reach a final agreement between the two parties.

Despite the idea stalling after Neom Sports Club neared signing Swiss Remo Freuler, information indicates that Portuguese goalkeeper Louis Maximiano has become a strong candidate to move to Al Shabab on a one-season loan, a step aimed at strengthening the goalkeeping position before the start of the new season.

On the other hand, the name of midfielder Ali Al-Asmari stands out as one of the options under consideration to move from Neom to Al Shabab, as part of the capital club's moves to bolster the midfield with local players capable of providing technical added value, noting that Al-Asmari spent a successful loan period with Al Shabab last season.

Al Shabab also continues its moves in the local market; it is working on finalizing the contract with Awad Al-Nashri, former Ittihad player, as part of a strategy aimed at increasing the depth of the squad with players possessing experience and technical capabilities.

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