Al Habsi in Saudi club

Prince Al Waleed bin Talal, also of the Saudi Royal Family, was quick to hail Al Hilal’s capture of such a seasoned professional.

“I would like to announce to the public the capture of the Oman national team goalkeeper, Ali Al Habsi,” he tweeted to his seven million followers.

Al Habsi’s brother, Sulaiman, was also happy to see him move to the Saudi capital.

“I am really happy for Ali’s transfer to Al Hilal Club,” he told Times of Oman.

“Fifteen years in Europe was sufficient to build Ali’s personality. He played for four clubs with many good achievements, the best being his FA Cup success in 2013.

“I think the timing of this transfer, in my opinion, is perfect, because he left Reading as the Player of the season,” added Sulaiman. “I wish him a good future with Al Hilal over the next three seasons.” Al Habsi holds the distinction of being the only footballer from the Gulf to play in the Premier League.

He joined Norwegian side Lyn Oslo in 2003, before making the move to the Premier League with Bolton Wanderers three years later. After four years at the Reebok Stadium, he switched to Wigan Athletic, winning the FA Cup with the Latics in 2013.

He then moved to Championship side Reading in 2015, and his time with the Royals saw him agonisingly miss out out a return to the Premier League last season, with his team beating Fulham 2-1 on aggregate in the play-offs, before losing 5-4 to Huddersfield Town on penalties.