Al Ahli have signed Al Hilal striker Abdullah Radif, giving the Saudi Arabia forward the opportunity to establish himself after a series of loan spells in the Roshn Saudi League.
The club confirmed the deal on Saturday, completing one of their attacking moves in the summer transfer market. Radif will wear the number 21 shirt at Al Ahli, who are aiming to strengthen their squad after winning the AFC Champions League Elite in the last two editions.
The move takes the 23-year-old into a new phase of his career with one of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs. He came through Al Hilal’s academy and progressed through the club’s youth system before being promoted to the first team in 2021.
However, Radif’s development since then has largely taken place away from his parent club. He has spent the past few seasons gaining experience at several Roshn Saudi League sides on loan, without securing a regular long-term role at Al Hilal.
His first loan spell was with Al Taawoun, where he made 15 appearances and scored twice. Radif then joined Al Shabab, playing 20 matches and finding the net three times.
The forward moved to Al Ettifaq for another temporary spell and again scored three goals, although he needed 28 appearances to reach that total. His most recent loan took him to Al Fayha, where he played eight games without scoring or providing an assist.
Those figures underline a career in which Radif has continued to search for consistency and an extended run in a team capable of bringing out his attacking qualities. Al Ahli hope the move will provide him with that platform.
The club formally presented Radif as their latest recruit, with the striker now set to begin his first season in the colours of the Asian champions. He will be competing for a place in an attack facing increased expectations as Al Ahli seek to build on their recent continental success.
For Radif, the transfer represents a chance to move beyond the status of a player repeatedly sent out on loan. Regular football at Al Ahli could allow him to develop into a settled first-team option and make a lasting contribution at one of the biggest clubs in the Roshn Saudi League.
He will now look to make the opportunity count after spells with Al Taawoun, Al Shabab, Al Ettifaq and Al Fayha produced valuable experience but limited continuity. The challenge will be to turn that experience into consistent performances for his new club.
The transfer comes amid continued activity involving Saudi Arabian clubs. Barcelona have also reached an agreement with Al Hilal over Joao Cancelo, another deal highlighted in coverage of the summer market.
