Al Ahli are closing in on the signing of former Al Hilal striker Abdullah Radif on a free transfer, after city rivals Al Ittihad withdrew from a lucrative deal citing a lack of funds.
The 23-year-old forward had been on the verge of joining Al Ittihad this summer, but the move collapsed at an advanced stage, allowing Al Ahli to move ahead of their Jeddah neighbours in the race for his signature.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum, Radif is now expected to accept a pre-existing offer from Al Ahli and complete a switch during the current transfer window.
Ittihad deal collapses over cash concerns
Al-Yaum reports that Radif had already reached an agreement with Al Ittihad on a three-year contract worth 27 million riyals in total, equivalent to 9 million riyals per season.
However, the club subsequently informed the player that it did not have the necessary liquidity to finalise the transfer, bringing negotiations to a halt.
The collapse of the deal paved the way for Al Ahli to revive their interest and step in with a free-transfer proposal for the Saudi forward.
Radif, who left Al Hilal this summer after five years with the first team, is now said to be in advanced talks to join Al Ahli ahead of the new Saudi Pro League campaign.
From Al Hilal graduate to Jeddah switch
Al Hilal confirmed Radif’s permanent departure earlier this summer, ending a spell that began when he was promoted to the first-team squad five years ago.
During his time under contract with the Riyadh giants, Radif was sent out on several loan spells to gain experience and playing time. He turned out for Al Taawoun, Al Shabab, Al Ettifaq and most recently Al Fayha.
His latest stint, with Al Fayha in the second half of last season, saw him feature in eight matches. He did not find the net but contributed two assists.
Despite modest recent numbers, Al Ahli appear convinced of his potential and see him as a valuable option to deepen their attacking resources.
Role at Al Ahli: third striker in competitive attack
If the deal is completed as expected, Radif is likely to be deployed as Al Ahli’s third-choice centre-forward.
He would compete primarily with Brazilian striker Ricardo Matheus, operating behind established forwards Ivan Toney of England and Saudi international Firas Al-Buraikan.
The anticipated move would bolster Al Ahli’s depth in attack as they look to challenge domestically, while also representing a symbolic victory over cross-city rivals Al Ittihad in the transfer market.
With Saudi clubs increasingly competing for domestic and international talent, Radif’s decision to head to the green half of Jeddah rather than the yellow-and-black is likely to draw attention, particularly given the financial reasons cited for Al Ittihad’s withdrawal.
Formal confirmation of the transfer has yet to be announced, but all indications from local media suggest that Abdullah Radif is on the brink of beginning a new chapter with Al Ahli.
