Al Ahli are expected to lose a third foreign player this summer, with Belgium defender Matteo Dams set to join Club Brugge within the next 48 hours.
The deal has been completed and sealed between the Saudi Arabian club, Club Brugge and the player, according to respected journalist Sacha Tavolieri. The transfer is expected to be officially announced once the final procedures have been completed.
Dams’ move would follow the departures of Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez and Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie from Al Ahli.
Al Ahli terminated Mahrez’s contract with one season still remaining, while the club decided not to extend Kessie’s deal after it expired at the end of last season.
Tavolieri reported the latest development in a post on his personal account on X, stating:
“✅🔵⚫️ DONE DEAL💬 Club Brugge’s expected to make Matteo Dams official in the next 48 hours.🇧🇪 All completed and sealed between clubs and player.#mercato#JPL”
The transfer will bring 22-year-old Dams back to Belgium 12 years after he left the country as a young player. He began his development in the academy of Antwerp before moving to the Netherlands, where he joined PSV Eindhoven.
Dams remained with PSV Eindhoven until his transfer to Al Ahli in January 2025. Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, he has made 38 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Despite his regular involvement, the full-back has not scored for Al Ahli. He has, however, provided three assists during his time with the club.
His anticipated return to Belgium means Al Ahli will be preparing for another change to their foreign-player group during the current summer transfer window. The club had already ended its association with two prominent members of its squad before Dams’ expected departure.
Club Brugge are now poised to make the move official, with the announcement anticipated within two days.