Al-Qadsiah’s Aramco-backed rebuild signals ambition to become Asia’s leading club
PR | James Bisgrove, CEO of Al-Qadsiah, says the Aramco-backed club aim to become Asia’s leading football institution.
The Recap
In an interview with Off The Pitch, former Rangers CEO James Bisgrove details Saudi club Al-Qadsiah’s transformation under Aramco ownership since his arrival in June 2024 and explains his decision to join the project.
Data Insight
Although Al-Qadsiah sold Equi Fernández for €25 million last summer, a year after signing him for €18.7 million, it remains their only player sale across the past three seasons’ transfer windows, during which the club have spent €207.4 million.
Why It Matters
Al-Qadsiah’s 10-year strategy targets financial sustainability and regional dominance through commercial growth, academy development and player trading.
The Perspective
The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and preparations for the 2034 World Cup, reflecting the Kingdom’s broader push to professionalise and globalise its football sector.
12 November 2025 - 4:34 PM
When James Bisgrove left Glasgow for the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia in June 2024, he joined a club in the midst of major change. After serving as CEO of Rangers FC, he was used to the pressures of leading a globally recognised club with high expectations.
At Al-Qadsiah, now operating under one of the largest companies in the world, the giant state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco’s ownership, he took on a new challenge: helpi
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