---
title: "Utkus makes Saudi Pro League debut with Al-Kholood"
date: 2026-02-03T21:43:40Z
lang: en
author: "Janis Vitols"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/utkus-makes-saudi-pro-league-debut-with-al-kholood/
categories: ["Lithuanians abroad"]
---

# Utkus makes Saudi Pro League debut with Al-Kholood
**Lithuania international defender Edgaras Utkus made his debut in the Saudi Arabian top division, playing the full 90 minutes as Al-Kholood were held to a goalless draw by Damac.**

The 25-year-old centre-back was officially unveiled as an Al-Kholood player just days earlier, completing a transfer from Belgian top-flight side Cercle Brugge for a reported fee of €1.2 million. The move to Middle East will also make Utkus the highest-paid Lithuanian footballer.

In today’s clash between two teams from the lower half of the Saudi Pro League standings, Al-Kholood entered the match with a four-point advantage over Damac. Starting at centre-back, Utkus partnered Suriname international Shaquille Pinas, with the defensive pairing successfully keeping a clean sheet as neither side managed to score.

Following the draw, Al-Kholood remain 14th in the table with 16 points from 19 matches in the 18-team league.

Utkus could face a high-profile test in his next outing, as Al-Kholood host Al Shabab on Saturday. The visitors are captained by Belgian winger Yannick Carrasco, the former Atlético Madrid standout now in his third season with the Riyadh-based club.