The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of young Syrian defender Ali Alrina on loan from Al Ittihad Ahli of Aleppo Sports Club until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Strong in the air and brave in the tackle, the 21-year-old centre-back adds depth to the Sailors’ defensive line as they gear up for a crucial final stretch of the season, with three major competitions still to fight for.

Having already lifted the Community Shield last May, the Sailors have set their sights on reclaiming the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title and winning the Singapore Cup, while also targeting a strong campaign in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two — where they have already secured a spot in the Round of 16.

Ali, who made his senior international debut for Syria in a 2-0 win over Mauritius at the Intercontinental Cup in September 2024, has been a regular call-up for his national team in the past few international windows. Most recently, he was an unused substitute against Russia in November.

On the continental stage, Ali brings valuable experience from the 2023 AFC Cup, where he played all six group-stage matches for Al Ittihad.

This move marks Ali’s first stint outside of Syria, and he is eager to test himself in a new environment while helping the Sailors achieve their goals.

“I’ve come to Singapore because I want to challenge myself at a club with big ambitions like the Sailors. I really like how everyone here is pushing towards the same goals,” said Ali, who is set to become the first Syrian player in SPL history.

“I spoke to some of my Syrian national teammates, and they told me this was the right step to take. My goal is to keep improving and showcase my abilities here. Most importantly, I want to help the team win trophies, and I’m really looking forward to these next few months.”