There are very few transfer windows open in world football right now, but one of them is Qatar’s. As seen recently, Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho only joined Al-Duhail just days ago. The Qatar transfer window still being open is a great benefit to clubs looking to sell on players who no longer can find options to play in Europe. Conversely, it can provide an exit for players who are no longer in the plans of their current club and could not find a European move. There is one Arsenal youngster who has followed this path with his move now completed.
Arsenal U23 midfielder Tim Akinola departs for Al-Bidda SC
https://x.com/albiddascqatar/status/1701294282953392465?s=20
As confirmed by the club themselves, Tim Akinola has left Arsenal’s U21 squad and joined Qatar second division side Al-Bidda SC. Akinola has already played for the side, scoring for them twice in a cup match earlier this month. The 2001-born midfielder spent last season on loan at National League side Chesterfield. Akinola previously held a loan spell at Dundee United as well. His time on the Scottish side was cut short due to an injury that required surgery.
Tim Akinola was born in Nigeria but mostly grew up in England. First starting out as an academy player with Lincoln City, Akinola made his switch to Arsenal’s youth setup from Huddersfield Town. Akinola never played for the Arsenal senior team but made 43 appearances for the U21/U23 side over a stretch of three seasons.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Akinola has signed a three-year contract with Al-Bidda SC. It is likely expected that Akinola has joined the Qatari side as a free agent, although that has yet to be confirmed. Al-Bidda SC is a fairly new club, having been formed in 2015 and yet to have featured in the top flight of Qatari football.