Belgian giants Anderlecht have announced the signing of Saudi Arabia international defender Osama Hawsawi.
The 28-year-old central defender, who has 80 caps for his country, joins Anderlecht from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal on a two-year deal beginning at the start of next season.
"I am very proud to be allowed to play football at a big and traditional club like Anderlecht," Hawsawi said according to Belga/KVDA.
"For me this is a new start. I always have had the ambition to play in a major European league. Now it is my goal to help Anderlecht win even more trophies.
"I'm with Al Hilal just to constantly play football under pressure. That experience I have. I leave a very big club for another great club. I can not wait for the new season to start."
Hawsawi, who captained his country in February's World Cup qualifier against Australia, helped 13-times Saudi champions Al Hilal win the 2010-11 league title.
The 28-year-old has twice won Saudi Arabia's best player award, while he has claimed the honour of being named his country's best defender three times.
Hawsawi also pointed to his experience at Al Hilal playing under Belgian coaches Georges Leekens and Eric Gerets.
He added: "Moreover, I have a feeling for the Belgian mentality. I played football under greats like Gerets and Leekens. "
No financial details of the contract have been revealed for Hawsawi who becomes the only member of the current Saudi Arabia national team squad to play in Europe.
Anderlecht, who are currently coached by Ariel Jacobs, are top of the Belgian championship playoff, one point ahead of Club Brugge with six games to play.
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