Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have signed midfielder Naif Masoud from Al-Fateh on a four-year contract running until 2030, making him the club’s fifth signing of the current summer transfer window.
The Jeddah club confirmed the deal in an official statement on their website, underlining their continued drive to strengthen a squad already packed with high-profile foreign recruits.
Masoud, 25, joins after a single season with Al-Fateh and becomes the latest addition to an increasingly reshaped Al-Ahli midfield.
Masoud hails ‘important step’ in career
Reacting to the move, Masoud described the transfer as a major milestone in his professional journey and stressed the weight of expectation that comes with playing for one of Saudi Arabia’s historic clubs.
“The joining to Al-Ahli represents an important step in my career, I know very well the value of this club and its great history, and I also realize the size of responsibility towards its fans,” he said.
“I will do my best inside the pitch, and I hope to be up to the expectations, and that we will achieve together the successes that befit the name of Al-Ahli.”
His comments reflect both the pressure and opportunity that come with representing a team aiming to re-establish itself at the top end of the Saudi Pro League amid intense domestic and international competition.
Fifth reinforcement in busy summer window
Al-Ahli’s capture of Masoud continues a busy off-season in which the club have moved aggressively in the market.
The midfielder follows four earlier signings:
– Gambian forward Bakary Sidibe Kinteh
– Portuguese winger Francisco Trincao
– Armenian playmaker Eduard Spertsyan
– Saudi player Meshal Al-Mutairi
The sequence of arrivals underlines Al-Ahli’s intent to build a deeper and more versatile squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, including the Roshn Saudi League and domestic cup competitions.
Masoud’s arrival, in particular, adds local experience and energy to the midfield department, complementing the club’s foreign talents.
From Al-Qadsiah to Al-Ahli: Masoud’s rise
Masoud began his senior career at Al-Qadsiah, where he was promoted to the first team in 2020. His performances earned him a loan move to Al-Khaleej in January 2024, providing him with further top-flight experience.
Later in the same year, he joined Al-Fateh in a permanent switch, where his displays over the 2023-24 campaign drew the attention of Al-Ahli’s recruitment team.
Last season, Masoud featured in 27 matches for Al-Fateh across the Roshn Saudi League and the King’s Cup. He scored one goal and did not register any assists, suggesting his primary contribution came in work rate, defensive duties and link-up play rather than as a direct attacking outlet.
Al-Ahli building for long term
By tying Masoud down until 2030, Al-Ahli have signalled that they view the midfielder as a long-term piece in their evolving project.
The club, historically one of Saudi Arabia’s most storied sides, have been rebuilding their squad following recent seasons of fluctuation, with a blend of domestic talents and international stars.
Masoud will now compete for a starting role in a midfield expected to face fierce internal competition, as Al-Ahli look to translate their ambitious recruitment into sustained on-pitch success and a renewed challenge for major honours.
