As the new Roshn Saudi League season approaches, Al Ahli and Al Nassr have yet to secure the foreign holding midfielder each appears to need, leaving both clubs exposed in one of the most important areas of the pitch.
The two clubs have different squad requirements, but their shared problem has become increasingly clear during the transfer window. Neither has completed a foreign signing who can provide the ideal long-term solution in the defensive midfield role.
What was initially viewed as a recruitment priority has now developed into a significant concern, with the unresolved issue potentially influencing the way both teams operate throughout the season.
At Al Nassr, Abdullah Al-Khaibari is expected to continue as the main option at the base of midfield. That comes despite criticism directed at the player in recent months over a number of performances and decisions made during matches.
Al Nassr have completed the signing of Samu Costa from Mallorca, but the midfielder is expected to replace Marcelo Brozovic in the number eight position. His arrival therefore does not resolve the club’s need for a specialist holding midfielder, leaving Al-Khaibari as the only established option in that role.
The situation is even more pressing at Al Ahli following the departure of Franck Kessie. The club have not yet brought in a direct replacement for the Ivory Coast international, who played a major role in the team’s midfield structure.
Kessie’s importance extended well beyond his duties as an ordinary central midfielder. His physical strength, ability to win possession and defensive contribution helped protect Al Ahli’s back line, while his experience was particularly valuable in demanding matches.
Without a replacement of similar profile, Al Ahli risk losing balance in midfield. The club need a player capable of shielding the defence and allowing the other midfielders greater freedom to move forward and contribute to the team’s build-up and attacking play.
That leaves a notable contrast between the resources available to the two clubs and the quality they require. Both Al Nassr and Al Ahli have players who can fill the position, but neither currently possesses a foreign midfielder who offers the level of impact and consistency expected over an entire season.
Al Nassr can call on Al-Khaibari, while Al Ahli may use Valentin Atangana in certain roles. However, relying on their current options for the whole campaign could place considerable pressure on both coaching teams, particularly when they face the strongest opponents in the league.
With the start of the season drawing closer, there is little time left for either club to take a gamble on the position. They must decide whether to move quickly for a high-quality midfield signing or accept the consequences of beginning the campaign with a clear weakness in a crucial area.
The situation also underlines that the success of a transfer window cannot be judged solely by the number of high-profile arrivals. For Al Ahli and Al Nassr, the more significant test is whether they can address the gaps that could directly affect their performances.
So far, neither club has resolved that particular issue.
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