Sources informed 'Okaz' that the management of Al-Ahli club is close to reaching an agreement to sign Al-Fateh midfielder Naif Masoud during the current summer transfer window, as part of strengthening the first team's squad in preparation for the new sports season.

'Okaz' had exclusively revealed on May 28, 2026, Al-Ahli's interest in signing the midfielder, after he entered the list of targets to bolster the pivot position, before negotiations progressed in the past period and the deal became close to conclusion.

Al-Ahli's interest in signing Naif Masoud came after the outstanding performances he presented with Al-Fateh last season, as he established himself as one of the most prominent local midfielders thanks to his defensive and organizational roles in the midfield.

The player participated in 25 matches in the Saudi Roshn League, including 18 as a starter, totaling 1,510 minutes, scoring one goal, along with achieving impressive defensive numbers, most notably 131 ball recoveries and 61 recoveries under high pressure, as well as his superiority in duels with a rate exceeding 60%.

Al-Ahli's move comes as part of the management's plan to strengthen the team with distinctive local elements, enhancing the technical staff's options before the start of the new season, which sees the team participating in several local and continental competitions, most notably the Saudi Roshn League, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, the Saudi Super Cup, the AFC Elite Champions League, and the Intercontinental Cup.