# Al Ahli Saudi FC transfer activity

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/al-ahli-saudi-fc-transfer-activity
> Updated: 2026-09-06T13:05:58.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Al Ahli Saudi FC has engaged in several efforts to strengthen its midfield through international transfers.

In August 2026, the club expressed interest in signing Senegalese midfielder Papi Gueye from Villarreal CF for approximately €40 million, amid uncertainty regarding the future of Franck Kessie. This period also saw managerial changes, with the appointment of Dutch coach Marino Bosic.

By September 2026, the club moved closer to securing 19-year-old French midfielder Ibrahim Diaby from Club Brugge in a deal valued at roughly 13.5 million euros. While the club reached advanced stages in pursuing Andrea Bulatovic from Lens, that deal did not conclude, and discussions regarding Bab Carral did not result in a transfer.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Al-Ahli Saudi FC nears signing of Ibrahim Diaby

Al-Ahli Saudi FC is finalizing the signing of 19-year-old French midfielder Ibrahim Diaby from Club Brugge in a deal worth 13.5 million euros.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/al-ahli-saudi-fc-nears-signing-of-ibrahim-diaby

### 2026-08-09: Al Ahli Saudi FC targets Villarreal midfielder Papi Gueye

Al Ahli Saudi FC is targeting Villarreal midfielder Papi Gueye as a potential replacement for Franck Kessie, with Villarreal considering a €40 million valuation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/al-ahli-saudi-fc-targets-villarreal-midfielder-papi-gueye

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Cite as: Al Ahli Saudi FC transfer activity. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/al-ahli-saudi-fc-transfer-activity