Newly promoted Diriyah have agreed a deal to sign Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye on a free transfer, beating Al Ahli to the signature of the former Everton player ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season.
According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Diriyah have reached an agreement with the 34-year-old to join the club on a one-year contract after his departure from Everton at the end of last season.
Gueye will move to the Riyadh-based side as a free agent following the expiry of his deal with the Premier League club, bringing an extensive top-flight and European pedigree to Diriyah’s first campaign in the Roshn Saudi League.
Al Ahli forced to turn to alternative targets
Gueye had been among Al Ahli’s midfield options in the current transfer window, with the Jeddah club exploring additions in case of a departure for Frenchman Enzo Milo.
Milo has fallen out of favour under German head coach Matthias Jaissle, prompting Al Ahli to assess replacements in central midfield. However, with Gueye now set for Diriyah, the club are expected to focus their efforts on signing France midfielder Manu Kone, currently at Roma.
The report states Kone remains Al Ahli’s primary target in the middle of the pitch, particularly if Milo leaves during this window.
European pedigree for Diriyah’s debut Roshn campaign
Gueye brings a substantial European CV to Saudi Arabia following spells in France and England, including time in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
He progressed through the ranks at Lille and broke into the first team in 2010, establishing himself in Ligue 1 before securing a move to Aston Villa in 2015.
After a single season with Villa, he joined Everton, where he spent three years and built a reputation as a tenacious holding midfielder. That form earned him a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, a stint widely viewed as the pinnacle of his club career.
Gueye spent three seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, from 2019 to 2022, before rejoining Everton for a second spell at Goodison Park.
Productive final season at Everton and international record
In his most recent campaign with Everton, Gueye made 25 appearances in all competitions. Over those matches he scored two goals and contributed three assists, underlining his continued influence in both defensive and attacking phases from midfield.
On the international stage, he remains a key figure for Senegal. He took part in all four of Senegal’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, although he did not score or register an assist during the tournament.
Diriyah’s move to secure Gueye on a short-term deal is expected to add significant experience and balance to their midfield as they prepare for their first season in the Roshn Saudi League, while Al Ahli now look to reshape their plans around a potential move for Kone and the uncertain future of Milo.
