Al Hazem have completed the signing of Congolese forward Afimico Pululu on a free transfer, with the 27-year-old set to replace former striker Omar Al Somah next season.
The Saudi club confirmed the agreement in a video posted on its official account on X, announcing the arrival of Pululu, who previously played for Polish champions Jagiellonia Białystok.
The move follows a report by Kooora on 18 July that Pululu had undergone a medical examination in Tunisia ahead of a switch to Al Hazem during the current summer transfer window.
Pululu arrives following the departure of Syria international Al Somah, who left Al Hazem at the end of last season after one campaign with the club. Al Somah scored nine goals and provided one assist in 26 appearances.
The new signing enjoyed a productive campaign with Jagiellonia Białystok, scoring 21 goals and claiming eight assists in 47 matches across all competitions.
His standout season, however, came in 2024-25, when he finished as the leading scorer in the UEFA Conference League with eight goals.
Pululu’s performances also attracted interest from Egyptian club Al Ahly. Several reports said the Cairo-based side held negotiations to sign him during the previous winter transfer window, although no agreement was ultimately reached.
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pululu began his professional career with Swiss club Basel, where he was promoted to the first team in 2019. He moved to German side Greuther Furth in 2022 before joining Jagiellonia Białystok the following year.
During his three years with the Polish club, Pululu made 134 appearances, scoring 56 goals and supplying 17 assists. His ability to operate as a winger as well as a centre-forward gives Al Hazem an additional option in attack.
The signing is intended to fill the gap left by Al Somah, who made his departure after a single season with Al Hazem. Pululu will now be expected to carry forward the attacking responsibility after recording more than 20 goals for Jagiellonia Białystok in the previous campaign.
Al Hazem’s announcement also confirms the deal first reported by Kooora, with the club opting for a player who has attracted wider attention through his scoring record in Poland and his performances in European competition.
