Reliable sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, a specialist in player transfer news, revealed significant developments surrounding the future of Ivorian star Franck Kessié, the Al-Ahli Saudi FC midfielder. Romano explained on his YouTube channel that the player's agent is in contact with several major European clubs who have expressed serious interest in acquiring his services, most notably Italian giants Juventus.

According to reports, Kessie is currently at a crucial crossroads in his football career. His first option is to accept the lucrative contract extension offer presented by Al Ahly's management, reflecting the club's strong desire to retain one of its key players. His second option is to return to Europe, where he made his name, to continue his career at the highest competitive level.

Historical context and a rich history

This European interest comes in the context of Kessie's remarkable career. He rose to prominence in Serie A with Atalanta before moving to AC Milan, where he became one of the league's best midfielders. Nicknamed "El Boss" (The President) by Milan fans, Kessie was a key player in the team that won the Serie A title in the 2021-2022 season after a long drought. In the summer of 2022, he fulfilled his dream of joining Barcelona on a free transfer. Although he didn't secure a regular starting position, he made his mark with crucial goals. Then, in the summer of 2023, Kessie was among the most prominent international stars to join the Saudi Professional League, signing with Al-Ahli in a highly publicized transfer.

The importance of the decision and its expected impact

Kessie's anticipated decision is of paramount importance to several parties. For Al-Ahli, retaining a player of Kessie's caliber and experience underscores the strength of the club's sporting project and its ability not only to attract stars but also to keep them in the face of European offers. For Juventus, signing Kessie would be a significant and valuable addition to their midfield as they strive to return to domestic and continental glory, especially given the player's extensive experience in Serie A. On a personal level, the player faces a delicate balancing act between the substantial financial stability offered by the Saudi league and the sporting ambition of competing for major titles like the Champions League. He is expected to make his final decision within the next few days, outlining his next destination before the winter transfer window closes.

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening its squad depth and maintaining its domestic and continental dominance, Al-Hilal's management has begun its transfer market activity to bolster the right-back position. Saeed Ba'atia, the Al-Fateh star, has emerged as a potential target for the upcoming period. This interest stems from the club's desire to provide strong alternatives and additional support in this crucial position.

Strategic background to Al-Hilal's interest

Al-Hilal is enjoying an exceptional season under the leadership of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, comfortably leading the Saudi Professional League and delivering impressive performances. The club's management understands that competing for all possible titles, including the AFC Champions League and the King's Cup, requires a well-rounded squad with depth and quality in every position. Despite the outstanding performances of international player Saud Abdulhamid as a regular starter at right-back, the demanding schedule and numerous matches necessitate having another player of equal caliber to ensure consistent performance and the successful implementation of a rotation policy.

Who is Saeed Baatiya?

Twenty-five-year-old Saeed Baatia is considered one of the most prominent right-backs in the Saudi Professional League. He has established himself as a key player for Al-Fateh, delivering a balanced performance that combines defensive solidity with attacking contributions. This season, Baatia has featured in 18 matches across all competitions, providing one assist, highlighting his influential role with the team. His consistent performances have attracted the attention of major clubs in the Kingdom.

Impact of a potential deal and the future of negotiations

According to press reports, Al-Hilal's interest is still in its early stages, with informal contacts taking place between the administrations of Al-Hilal and Al-Fateh to gauge the club's stance on releasing the player. No official financial offer has been submitted yet, and the situation is expected to become clearer in the coming days. If the deal goes through, it would represent a significant addition to Al-Hilal's defense and enhance the options available to coach Jesus, while also marking a major step in the player's career by joining one of the continent's biggest clubs. Meanwhile, Al-Fateh will be seeking the best possible financial offer for one of their key players.

Al-Hilal is currently preparing to continue its league campaign, facing Al-Fayha on Thursday evening at the Kingdom Arena in the 17th round of the Roshan League. The "Leaders" enter the match at the top of the standings with 41 points, aiming for another victory to solidify their position at the summit.

Al-Ahli Saudi Club officially announced its agreement to transfer the young right-back, Abdul-Ilah Al-Khaibri, to Al-Riyadh Club on loan until the end of the current season, as part of the clubs’ moves during the winter transfer period of the Saudi Roshan League.

Context of the deal and its strategic objectives

This move comes as part of a clear technical strategy for both clubs. On the one hand, Al-Ahli, one of the giants of Saudi football and a strong contender for titles, seeks to give its young players the opportunity to participate regularly and gain experience playing in the professional league. With big names and international stars in the ranks of "Al-Raqui" (Al-Ahli's nickname), playing time becomes limited for some promising talents, making loan deals the ideal solution to ensure their technical and physical development rather than leaving them on the bench. This deal is considered an investment in the player's future, as Al-Ahli hopes he will return at the end of the season more mature and ready to compete for his position.

The importance of the move to Al-Riyadh Club and the player

On the other hand, Al-Khaibari's arrival represents a significant boost for Al-Riyadh, a club aiming to strengthen its squad and establish itself among the elite in the Roshan League. The "Central School" team seeks to bolster its defense with a player possessing both quality and speed, and Al-Khaibari is an ideal choice given his experience in the highly competitive environment of Al-Ahli. This signing provides Al-Riyadh with a player who is technically and physically ready to contribute immediately to achieving the team's objectives in the second half of the season, namely accumulating as many points as possible and distancing themselves from the relegation zone.

The impact of the deal on Al-Khaibari's career and the future of the league

For Abdul-Ilah Al-Khaibri himself, this loan is a pivotal moment in his football career. It offers him a golden opportunity to prove his abilities and secure regular playing time, which is crucial for the development of any young player. Al-Khaibri is expected to join his new team's training sessions in the coming days, paving the way for his debut with Al-Riyadh and participation in official matches. Such transfers between major clubs and other league teams reflect the dynamism and competitiveness of Saudi football, contributing to raising the overall level of the competition and distributing talent in a way that benefits all parties.