Firas Al-Birakan’s future has become one of the most pressing issues at Al Ahli, with Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah reportedly monitoring the Saudi Arabia striker ahead of the new season.
The situation is not being driven by any stated desire from Al-Birakan to leave the club. Instead, uncertainty surrounding Al Ahli could make one of their most important players an attractive option for financially powerful rivals.
Al-Birakan’s name was put forward to Al Hilal during the most recent winter transfer window. However, the Riyadh club chose not to proceed with a deal because it did not have the necessary budget available at the time, despite several officials being convinced by the striker’s ability.
The 25-year-old has a release clause worth 45m Saudi riyals in his contract. That figure would not necessarily deter clubs with substantial financial resources, particularly if they believe Al-Birakan can make a significant technical contribution to their plans.
Reports that Al Hilal could revive its interest, combined with attention from Al Qadsiah, mean the striker’s situation could become one of the main stories of the transfer market. Any club willing to pay the release clause would be able to place considerable pressure on Al Ahli.
The interest itself is not viewed as unusual. High-performing players are naturally likely to attract approaches from other clubs. The greater concern for Al Ahli is the instability that has affected the club in recent times, both around the coaching set-up and within its administrative environment.
That uncertainty could give potential suitors an opportunity to test Al Ahli’s resolve and persuade Al-Birakan that a move elsewhere may offer a more secure sporting project.
The club’s management has therefore been urged to deal with the issue quickly. It could do so by reaffirming its confidence in Al-Birakan and giving him a larger role in its new project, or by making its determination to retain him unmistakably clear.
Leaving the position ambiguous, however, could allow the speculation to grow as the start of the new season approaches. With Al Hilal’s previous interest, possible renewed movement from the club and Al Qadsiah’s reported attention, Al-Birakan’s release clause gives the situation the potential to develop rapidly.
For Al Ahli, keeping the striker may therefore depend not only on rejecting a formal offer, but also on convincing him that he remains central to the club’s plans. Until that message is delivered clearly, his future will remain one of the most sensitive matters facing the Saudi club.
