Al-Ahli have agreed a deal to sign Saudi Arabia forward Abdullah Radif on a free transfer from Al-Hilal, despite late interest from newly promoted Al-Diriyah.
The 23-year-old is expected to sign a four-year contract with Al-Ahli running until 2030, with the move set to be officially announced in the coming hours once the remaining administrative procedures have been completed and the player has signed the final documents.
Radif had previously reached an agreement to join Al-Ahli, but Al-Diriyah made a late intervention and came close to taking the deal away from the Saudi Pro League club. Al-Ahli, also known as “Al-Raqi”, ultimately overcame that challenge to secure the forward’s services.
The agreement comes at a difficult time for Al-Ahli supporters, who are dealing with the departure of German manager Matthias Jaissle. Reports in the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat said Jaissle submitted his resignation on Thursday with the intention of taking charge of Newcastle United next season, replacing Eddie Howe.
Radif will join Al-Ahli after leaving Al-Hilal at the end of his contract. Al-Hilal confirmed on 7 July that the striker had departed permanently after five years with the club’s first team. During that period, he spent time on loan with Al-Taawoun, Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Fayha.
The forward had also reached an agreement to join Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract reportedly worth 27m Saudi riyals in total. That arrangement would have paid him 9m riyals per season, but Al-Ittihad later withdrew from the proposed transfer because the club did not have enough available funds to complete the deal.
Radif is expected to become Al-Ahli’s third-choice striker, competing with Brazilian forward Ricardo Matias for opportunities behind England international Ivan Toney and Saudi Arabia forward Firas Al-Braikan.
His move will make him Al-Ahli’s sixth signing of the current summer transfer window. The club have already brought in Gambian Abubakar Sidi Kinteh, Portugal international Francisco Trincao, Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan, and Saudi players Mishal Al-Mutairi and Nayef Masoud.
Radif’s most recent spell came with Al-Fayha during the second half of last season. He made eight appearances for the club but did not score, although he provided two assists.
Al-Ahli’s agreement with Radif gives the club another young Saudi attacking option as they continue to strengthen their squad. The transfer is expected to be confirmed formally after the player’s signature and the completion of the necessary paperwork.
