Al-Ahli Saudi fans have been left concerned by speculation that goalkeeper Edward Mendy could leave the club during the current summer transfer window.
The rumours emerged shortly after Al-Ahli had already lost two prominent members of their squad, with Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie both departing during the summer.
However, there is no indication in the information available that Al-Ahli have decided to part company with Mendy, whose position within the club’s sporting project appears significantly different from that of the players who have already left.
The Senegal international remains under contract with the Jeddah club until June 2028 and is regarded as an important member of the squad.
The latest speculation was fuelled by a social media post from Mendy.
The goalkeeper shared an image on Instagram from inside Al-Ahli’s headquarters showing the club’s logo alongside the words “See you on the field”.
The post also displayed a time indicating that Mendy had left the club at 12:40 after midnight.
The message prompted questions among supporters about his future, particularly given the departures of Mahrez and Kessie.
Mendy remains important to Al-Ahli
Despite the rumours, Mendy’s circumstances appear different from those surrounding the two players who have already left the club.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper has established himself as one of Al-Ahli’s key players since arriving from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.
His experience and performances have made him an important part of the team, while his leadership inside the dressing room has added another dimension to his value.
Mendy has become one of the senior figures within the squad and is considered an influential presence among his team-mates.
Those qualities are particularly significant for Al-Ahli as they prepare for another demanding season.
The club’s technical staff rely on his ability between the posts, while his experience at the highest level provides stability in a position where continuity can be crucial.
His contract was also extended last year, keeping him tied to Al-Ahli until June 2028.
That long-term agreement provides further context to the speculation surrounding his future.
Mendy’s trophy record strengthens his case
Since joining Al-Ahli, Mendy has played an important role during one of the club’s most successful periods.
He helped the Saudi side return to the podium and was part of the team that won the AFC Champions League title twice in a row, a historic achievement for the club.
He also contributed to Al-Ahli’s success in the Saudi Super Cup at the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
His importance has therefore extended beyond individual performances.
Mendy’s leadership and experience have helped make him one of the influential figures within the dressing room.
For Al-Ahli, replacing such a player would not simply involve finding another goalkeeper.
The club would also need to identify someone capable of providing a similar level of experience and authority within the squad.
That makes any potential decision to allow Mendy to leave considerably more complicated.
Could Al-Ahli repeat the Kessie situation?
The possibility of Mendy leaving has also raised memories of what happened with Kessie.
The Ivorian midfielder departed Al-Ahli when his contract expired on 30 June, leaving without the club securing a replacement through a new signing.
Mahrez subsequently left after Al-Ahli activated the clause allowing his contract to be terminated, despite a full season remaining on his deal.
The departure of both players has already changed the composition of the squad.
Supporters are therefore wary of seeing another established player leave without an adequate replacement being secured.
Mendy’s situation is particularly sensitive because of the position he occupies.
Goalkeeper is a role where stability, communication and experience can be especially important, and replacing an established first-choice goalkeeper during a transfer window can create significant uncertainty.
If Al-Ahli were to allow Mendy to leave without bringing in a goalkeeper with comparable qualities, the club could face another significant gap in its squad.
No clear indication of an exit
For now, the information available does not establish that Mendy is leaving Al-Ahli.
His Instagram message has generated speculation, but it does not itself confirm a departure.
Instead, his contract, his importance to the club and his role in recent successes suggest that Al-Ahli have strong reasons to retain him.
The Senegal goalkeeper has become one of the team’s leaders since moving to Jeddah and remains an important part of the club’s plans as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
That is why the possibility of his departure has caused such concern among supporters.
After losing Kessie and Mahrez, Al-Ahli would face another major rebuilding task if Mendy were also to leave.
The club would then have to find not only a technically capable goalkeeper but also a player able to replace the experience and leadership the Senegal international provides.
For now, however, Mendy’s future remains the subject of speculation rather than a confirmed transfer.
The goalkeeper’s late-night message has raised questions, but Al-Ahli’s decision on whether to retain or replace one of their most important players remains the key issue for supporters ahead of the new season.
