Brad Young, the top scorer in Welsh football last season, has completed a transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al-Orobah. The 21-year-old striker, who was instrumental in The New Saints’ (TNS) success in the Cymru Premier during the 2023-24 season, has signed a deal with the Saudi Arabian side in what is being reported as a record transfer fee for the Welsh top flight.
Brad Young ,
Welcome to AL-Orobah stronghold
pic.twitter.com/R05oP7axD4— نادي العروبة السعودي (@ALOROBAH_FC) September 2, 2024
Young, who emerged as the Cymru Premier’s golden boot winner after netting 22 goals last season, played a pivotal role in securing a domestic double for TNS. His impressive performances also extended to European competition, where he scored twice in his debut over the summer, helping his team achieve a historic place in the Europa Conference League group stage.
Despite TNS’s strong desire to retain their star forward, Young has opted to make the move to Saudi Arabia, where he is believed to have received an “exceptional” offer. The transfer comes just before TNS’s European campaign kicks off, with the Welsh champions set to face Fiorentina and Panathinaikos in the group stage.
Brad Young in the #JDCymruPremier:
2⃣5⃣ Games
2⃣4⃣ Wins
2⃣2⃣ Goals
2023/24 Title winner and invincible
2023/24 Golden Boot winner
2023/24 Young Player of the SeasonThe forward departs @tnsfc for @ALOROBAH_FC pic.twitter.com/1UyxlAxfds
— JD Cymru Leagues (@CymruLeagues) September 2, 2024
Al-Orobah, based in Sakakah, earned promotion to the Pro League last season and have been active in strengthening their squad. The club recently secured the loan signing of Kurt Zouma and added experienced players like former Fulham and Hull City midfielder Jean Michael Seri and Burnley forward Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who will now be teammates with Young.
Young joined TNS in September 2023 after being released by Aston Villa, where he had been part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup in 2021. Born in Solihull, Young overcame significant adversity in his career, including recovering from a serious knife attack during his time in Villa’s youth team—a challenge that at one point threatened his footballing aspirations.
The departure of Young is a significant loss for TNS, who have been the dominant force in Welsh football, securing their 16th Welsh title in an unbeaten campaign last season. However, the transfer marks a new chapter in Young’s career as he embarks on his journey in the Saudi Pro League.
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