Al-Ahli have secured the signing of former Al-Hilal striker Abdullah Radif on a free transfer, beating newly promoted Al-Diriyah to the 23-year-old’s signature as the Saudi club deal with the departure of manager Matthias Jaissle.
Radif is expected to sign a four-year contract with Al-Ahli running until 2030, according to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. The move is set to be officially announced in the coming hours, once the remaining administrative procedures have been completed and the player has formally signed.
The agreement comes during a difficult period for Al-Ahli supporters, who are facing the likely departure of Jaissle. Reports said the German coach submitted his resignation on Thursday, with the intention of taking charge of Newcastle United next season and succeeding Eddie Howe.
Radif had previously reached an understanding with Al-Ahli over a move, but Al-Diriyah intervened unexpectedly and came close to hijacking the transfer. Al-Ahli, known as “Al-Raqi”, ultimately overcame that challenge to complete the deal for the Saudi forward.
The striker’s contract with Al-Hilal ended before the proposed move. Al-Hilal announced on 7 July that Radif would leave the club permanently after five years connected with its first team.
During that period, Radif spent time on loan with Al-Taawoun, Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Fayha. His most recent spell came at Al-Fayha during the second half of last season, when he made eight appearances without scoring. He did, however, provide two assists.
Radif had also agreed terms with Al-Ittihad earlier in the summer. That proposed three-year contract was reportedly worth 27m Saudi riyals, with the player due to receive 9m riyals per season. However, Al-Ittihad later withdrew from the agreement because it did not have the financial liquidity required to complete the transfer.
At Al-Ahli, Radif is expected to become the club’s third-choice striker, competing with Brazilian forward Ricardo Matias for opportunities behind England international Ivan Toney and Saudi Arabia forward Firas Al-Buraikan.
The move would make Radif the sixth addition to Al-Ahli’s squad during the current summer transfer window. The club have already brought in Gambian Abubakar Sidi Kinteh, Portugal forward Francisco Trincao, Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan, and Saudi players Mashaal Al-Mutairi and Nayef Masoud.
Radif’s arrival gives Al-Ahli another attacking option as they prepare for the new campaign, but the transfer comes against the backdrop of uncertainty over the club’s head coach. Jaissle’s reported resignation has left supporters concerned, with the German expected to move to Newcastle United for next season.
The completion of Radif’s transfer will therefore offer Al-Ahli a positive development during a period dominated by managerial uncertainty. The club are expected to confirm the agreement officially after the final paperwork and the player’s signature have been completed.
