How has former Columbus Crew star Lucas Zelarayán held up in the Saudi Professional League?

Back on July 31, 2023, Columbus Crew standout midfielder Lucas Zelarayán joined Al Fateh SC, a club participating in the Saudi Professional League. The transfer took one of the top MLS talents out of the States and sent him across the globe to compete in the rising Saudi scene. Before he left the club, he had a team-leading 10 goals and seven assists as the Black & Gold looked to keep their sight on an MLS Championship trophy. 

However, the transfer came with a supply of backlash for both Zelarayán and the Crew, as the question began to arise on whether or not the then 31-year-old would continue his game-altering play on the pitch.

How has Zelarayán held up with Al Fateh SC?

Zelarayán kickstarted his time with Al Fateh SC on August 13, 2023, where he played in all 90 minutes of game time against Al-Taawoun, finishing the outing with three shots and one on target. Instantly, he began to make an impact with the club. 

The very next game on August 18, 2023, Zelarayán and his club took to the road to clash against Al Okhdood SC. He played in 89 minutes of action, recording his first point for Al Fateh SC as he dished off an assist in the 3-1 win. Fortunately for the Argentinian midfielder, he would not have to wait much longer to find a shot to find the back of the net.

15 days after the win against Al Okhdood SC, Zelarayán buried his first goal in the Saudi Pro League against Al-Ahli. The result heavily favored Al Fateh SC as they marched to a 5-1 win, with Zelarayán being a crucial playmaker for the team since joining weeks earlier.

He would go on to score eight total goals and nine assists over the course of the 2023-24 season in the Saudi Pro League. For comparison, in the MLS, he scored 38 goals and nine assists over the course of four seasons. His leadership was not just on the field, as he was often regarded as one of the most prominent figures in the locker room as well for the Crew.

When he departed Columbus, teammate Cucho Hernandez was extremely vocal about his positive demeanor and what he meant to the team.

"“We lost the best No. 10 in the league, in the middle of the season. For the club and for the city, it was tough...for me especially.""

- Cucho Hernandez said after the departure

Fortunately for the Argentinian, he is thriving in a new locker room overseas. His veteran mantra has helped to rebuild Al Fateh SC into a legitimate contending team heading into the Saudi Pro League’s 2024-25 campaign. 

Tomorrow, Friday, August 23, Al Fateh SC will compete in their first game of the new season at 2:00 p.m. EST. They are set to take on Al Qadisiyah who were just promoted to the Saudi Pro League this past offseason.

The question yet again gets raised: Can Zelarayán have yet another successful season away from the States?