English forward Brad Young has made waves in Middle East football by moving from Saudi Pro League side Al Orobah to UAE Pro League club Baniyas in Abu Dhabi. At 22, he now embraces a new chapter after facing stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, adapting to intense heat and high level play in the region as of August 2025.
Early Career Roots and Rise
Brad Young started his journey in the Aston Villa academy, where he helped win the 2021 FA Youth Cup. He made one senior appearance for Villa in the FA Cup before loans to clubs like Carlisle United and Ayr United.
His big break came in 2023 with The New Saints in Wales, where he scored 22 goals in one season. This led to a record breaking transfer to Al Orobah in Saudi Arabia for about 250,000 dollars in 2024. Young saw it as a chance to grow against top talent.
That move set a new high for Welsh Premier League fees. It showed how young players seek opportunities abroad. Young valued the experience over staying in lower English leagues.
Thrilling Time in Saudi Pro League
In Saudi Arabia, Young played against global icons. His team beat Al Nassr 2 to 1, with Ronaldo on the field. This win stood out amid a tough season for Al Orobah.
The league boasts stars like N Golo Kante and Ruben Neves. Young noted the quality surpasses many English divisions. He chose Saudi to challenge himself early in his career.
However, issues arose. Al Orobah faced a transfer ban due to delayed payments to The New Saints. This did not stop Young from gaining valuable skills.
Key highlights from his Saudi stint include:
- Facing elite players weekly
- Scoring in a competitive environment
- Building resilience in a new culture
Move to Baniyas and UAE Adjustment
Young joined Baniyas in July 2025 after a dramatic signing video. The club announced him with fanfare on social media. He aims to boost their attack in the UAE Pro League.
Pre season training helped him adapt. He mentioned the heat hits harder than in Saudi, often in the high 30s Celsius. Daily sessions build his tolerance.
Baniyas lost their opener 1 to 0 against Ittihad Kalba on August 22, 2025. Young sees potential for growth. The league features intriguing signings, though Saudi grabs more headlines.
Cultural and Personal Growth
Living in the Middle East offers more than football. Young enjoys the lifestyle and food. He contrasts it with his time in Birmingham or Wales.
The region prepares for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. More young talents eye moves here for exposure. Agents note rising interest ahead of the event.
Young focuses on fitness and team bonds. His pale skin and blond hair make heat a hurdle, but he progresses.
Career Stats and Timeline
Here is a quick look at Brad Youngs key career milestones:
| Year | Club | Achievements | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Aston Villa | FA Youth Cup win, senior debut | 1 |
| 2023 | The New Saints | Top scorer in Welsh league | 22 |
| 2024 | Al Orobah | Saudi Pro League debut, win over Al Nassr | 5 |
| 2025 | Baniyas | UAE Pro League start | Ongoing |
This table shows his steady rise. Stats come from recent seasons up to August 2025.
Future Outlook in Middle East Football
Young relishes his journey. He plans to score more and help Baniyas climb the table. The UAE league season preview highlights teams like Shabab Al Ahli as contenders.
With the World Cup on the horizon, paths like his inspire others. Young proves age and origin matter less than drive.
Share your thoughts on Brad Youngs move in the comments below. Did his Saudi experience prepare him well for UAE challenges? Follow for more updates on rising football stars.
