Al Ahli winger Yassin Al-Zubaidi has asked to leave the club during the current summer transfer window after a hugely frustrating campaign in which he played just 27 minutes of first-team football.
The 23-year-old, who can operate on either flank but mainly features on the right wing, is pushing for a move in search of regular game time next season.
According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, First Division side Al Khaleej Club Al-Kholood have formally approached Al Ahli with a request to sign Al-Zubaidi on loan until the end of the upcoming campaign.
Al-Zubaidi is understood to be open to the switch, with the report stating that the player himself wants to leave Al Ahli this summer to secure more minutes on the pitch and continue his development away from “Al-Raqi”.
Limited impact at Al Ahli
Promoted to Al Ahli’s first team in 2023, Al-Zubaidi struggled to earn opportunities in the senior side and was unable to establish himself in the line-up.
He spent the second half of the 2023-24 season on loan at Al Okhdood, before remaining there on loan for the 2024-25 campaign as well, in a bid to gain experience and competitive rhythm.
Upon returning to Al Ahli last season, his situation did not improve significantly. He featured in only four matches, all as a substitute, with his total playing time across all appearances amounting to just 27 minutes.
Those limited opportunities have been a key factor in his desire to move on this summer, with the winger seeking a club that can offer a clearer path to regular first-team football.
Versatile wide option
Al-Zubaidi’s primary role is on the right wing, where he is most frequently deployed, but he is also capable of operating on the left side of attack, albeit less often.
His versatility across the front line is seen as one of his strengths, and it is one of the reasons why Al-Kholood have targeted him as they look to reinforce their attacking options for the new season.
Al-Kholood’s rising profile
Al-Kholood head into the new campaign on the back of a landmark season in Saudi football, having emerged as one of the surprise packages in domestic competition.
The club produced a notable cup run by reaching the final of the King Cup (King’s Cup of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques), where they eventually lost to Al Hilal.
That achievement has raised the profile of Al-Kholood and made them a more attractive destination for young players seeking competitive minutes at a high level.
Al Ahli have yet to publicly comment on Al-Zubaidi’s request or Al-Kholood’s loan proposal, and no agreement has been announced between the clubs.
