RSL Fantasy: 10 Goalkeepers to Watch

As RSL Fantasy managers start putting together their squads ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, we launch this series of scout reports looking at potential point-getters across the pitch.

Three new arrivals feature in our list of the 10 goalkeepers to watch for the new campaign, with prices varying from SAR 4.5M to SAR 5.5M. Whether you plan to stick to one name for the whole journey, or go for the rotation approach, there is something for everyone below.

Edouard Mendy – Al Ahli (SAR 5.5M)

The joint-highest scoring goalkeeper of last season, Al Ahli’s Mendy is a no-brainer for a premium goalkeeper choice. The former Chelsea man amassed 95 points in 2023-24 courtesy of producing the most clean sheets (10) since the launch of the game in November. At SAR 5.5M, he is one of five goalkeeping options priced at the top going into 2024-25, but should he continue his form into the new campaign, top rewards are guaranteed.

Yassine Bono – Al Hilal (SAR 5.5M)

Running away with the 2023-24 RSL Golden Glove award ahead of Mendy thanks to conceding fewer goals, Moroccan goalkeeper Bono will be a popular pick in 2024-25. Al Hilal’s No.37 kept eight clean sheets and conceded only 14 goals in last season’s RSL Fantasy, finishing with 90 points, a tally that justifies his premium price as the defending champions eye more records in the new campaign.

Mailson – Al Taawoun (SAR 5.5M)

Level with Mendy on 95 points as the highest-scoring goalkeeper last season, Mailson was key to Al Taawoun’s success, helping the Qassim side break into the top four and ultimately book a continental place. Since November 2023, Mailson kept as many clean sheets as Bono (8). Unlike Al Ahli and Al Hilal, Al Taawoun go into the new season with a new manager in Rodolfo Arruabarrena, and the distraction of playing AFC Champions League Two football could also be a factor. But can Mailson still prove to be a shrewd pick?

Bento – Al Nassr (SAR 5.5M)

The first of three new arrivals into the RSL to feature on this list, Brazil international goalkeeper Bento is one of the most exciting signings in the league this summer. He arrives from Athletico Paranaense to replace veteran David Ospina at Al Nassr. Luis Castro’s men finished second in the league last season, conceding the third fewest shots (332) and boasting the fourth-lowest expected goals against (xGA) at 39. Bento is therefore an attractive option.

Koen Casteels – Al Qadsiah (SAR 5.5M)

Fresh off starting for Belgium at UEFA European Championship Germany 2024, Casteels lands in the RSL as part of an expensively assembled Al Qadsiah squad. With former Real Madrid captain Nacho marshalling the defence in front and work-machine Nahitan Nandez harrying opponents in midfield, Casteels could rack up the numbers for the newly promoted side. His price of SAR 5.5M reflects the potential upside.

Marek Rodak – Al Ettifaq (SAR 5M)

Just across the divide in Dammam, Al Ettifaq acquired the services of another European goalkeeper in Slovakia’s Rodak. Steven Gerrard’s men finished sixth in the league last season, but their defensive record was matched by only that of champions Al Hilal; the Dammam side conceded 34 goals, slightly outperforming their xGA of 36. If Rodak can just match the record of his predecessor Paulo Victor, his owners would be up for top returns - while saving 0.5M compared to the top-priced goalkeepers.

Marcelo Grohe – Al Kholood (SAR 4.5M)

A stalwart of the RSL, Brazilian goalkeeper Grohe swapped Al Ittihad for newly promoted Al Kholood. And while the challenge of representing top-flight debutants differs drastically from keeping goal for last season’s defending champions, Grohe’s price and underlying numbers are cause for interest: in only 17 starts for Al Ittihad in 2023-24, the veteran kept seven clean sheets and conceded 18 goals, an average of little more than a goal a game. And, at SAR 4.5M, Grohe offers a route into rotation with another similarly prized asset based on fixture difficulty.

Kim Seung-gyu – Al Shabab (SAR 4.5M)

One of the options you could consider rotating with Grohe is Korean international goalkeeper Kim. The Al Shabab man suffered a season-ending injury last campaign while representing his nation at the AFC Asian Cup. Now back in action in his side’s pre-season camp, Kim could be primed for success having kept six clean sheets in 19 appearances in 2023-24. At SAR 4.5M, he also offers managers the opportunity to invest funds elsewhere on the pitch.

Paulo Vitor – Al Okhdood (SAR 5M)

One of the pleasant surprises of the inaugural RSL Fantasy campaign was Al Okhdood’s Vitor. Despite playing for a newly promoted side, the Brazilian had the fourth-highest points tally, with 79. Beyond the traditional sources of points, Vitor saved two penalties and was even the only goalkeeper to produce an assist last season. With a year of RSL experience under his belt now, Vitor could well be worth a permanent spot between the sticks in your team.

Ibrahim Sehic – Al Khaleej (SAR 5M)

Rounding up this list is a man who had the joint-third most clean sheets last season. Sehic produced six clean sheets and conceded only 20 goals from when the game was launched, averaging 4.3 points per match. The arrival of Greek coach Georgios Donis, known for prioritising defensive solidity, could boost the fortunes of Al Khaleej's Bosnian goalkeeper, offering increased returns for the SAR 5.0M paid.