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5 clusters · 30 sources · 30 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated 20 days ago

Saudi Pro League attracts European and African talent

Overview

In late July 2026, Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye left Everton after a seven-year spell and 236 appearances. Following the expiration of his contract, the 36-year-old signed a one-year deal with newly promoted Saudi Pro League side Al-Diriyah, which includes an option for a second season. Al-Diriyah, aiming to build a Senegal-heavy roster, intends to use Gueye’s extensive experience—including 135 caps for Senegal and stints at clubs such as LOSC Lille and Paris Saint-Germain—to stabilize its midfield during its debut top-flight season.

Two days later, the recruitment drive was highlighted again when Paris FC forward Alimami Gory was reported to be finalizing a transfer to the Saudi Pro League. These moves underscore the league's ongoing strategy to attract established European talent and senior players from the Premier League and Ligue 2 to raise its competitive profile.

By late August 2026, transfer activity intensified for several clubs. Negotiations progressed significantly regarding the potential transfer of Parfait Guiagon to Al-Tawoon; reports indicated the player had not reported to training for approximately 15 days as the Buraydah-based club worked to reach an agreement with his current team.

Al-Diriyah also finalized several key additions to its roster. The club confirmed the signing of Algerian international Adel Boulbina from Qatar’s Al-Duhail, noting his goal-scoring ability in the AFC Champions League Elite. Furthermore, Al-Diriyah secured two loan deals to bolster its squad: French midfielder Enzo Millot joined on a one-season loan from Al-Ahli, and Uruguayan forward Darwin Nuñez arrived on loan from Al-Hilal.

Entities

Al-Diriyah · Everton · Adel Boulbina · Senegal · Al-Diriyah FC

Timeline

20 days ago

[SPORTS] 2 sources
Al-Diriyah FC announces three major player signings
Al-Diriyah FC has bolstered its squad with three major signings: Algerian winger Adel Boulbina, French midfielder Enzo Millot, and Uruguayan forward Darwin Nuñez.
21 days ago

[SPORTS] 8 sources
Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Tawoon and Al-Diriyah advance football transfers
Footballer Parfait Guiagon is nearing a transfer to Saudi club Al-Tawoon, while Algerian international Adel Boulbina moves from Al-Duhail to Al-Diriyah.
about 1 month ago

[SPORTS] 8 sources
Al-Diriyah signs Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye
Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gueye has joined newly promoted Saudi Pro League side Al-Diriyah on a free transfer following his departure from Everton.
about 2 months ago

[SPORTS] 8 sources
Saudi Pro League signs Paris FC forward Alimami Gory and ex-Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye
Alimami Gory leaves Paris FC for the Saudi Pro League and veteran Idrissa Gana Gueye departs Everton for Al‑Diriyah, highlighting Saudi clubs’ push for European talent.
about 2 months ago

[SPORTS] 9 sources
Idrissa Gana Gueye joins Saudi club Al-Diriyah after leaving Everton
Idrissa Gana Gueye, 36, leaves Everton after 236 games and signs a one‑year contract with Saudi Pro League newcomers Al‑Diriyah, joining a growing Senegalese contingent in the league.

Sources

africafootunited.com · alsaudi.news · archysport.com · dsports.sn · foot01.com · footalgerien.com · footballclubdemarseille.fr · gilabola.com · governanceinstitute.com.au · haveneg.com · insidefutbol.com · kingfut.com · lagazettedufennec.com · lasentinelle.dz · lemaroc360.com · leral.net · ndarinfo.com · nigeriafootball.ng · po.hu · pressafrik.com · senego.com · senenews.com · sentv.info · sport-ivoire.ci · sport.fr · sport1.pl · thepeoplesperson.com · tuttomercatoweb.it · voetbalkrant.com · walfoot.be

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history