Sources informed 'Okaz' that the management of Al-Ahli Club is close to reaching an agreement to sign Al-Fateh midfielder Naiyf Masoud during the current summer transfer window, as part of strengthening the first football 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 pivot player after he entered the list of targets to bolster the midfield axis, with negotiations progressing recently to make the deal close to finalization.

Al-Ahli's interest in signing Naiyf Masoud came after his outstanding performances with Al-Fateh last season, as he established himself as one of the top local pivot players due to his defensive and organizational roles in midfield.

The player participated in 25 matches in the Saudi Roshn League, starting in 18 of them, totaling 1,510 minutes, scoring one goal, in addition to achieving impressive defensive numbers, most notably 131 ball recoveries and 61 recoveries with counter-press, as well as his superiority in duels with a success rate exceeding 60%.

Al-Ahli's move comes as part of the management's plan to strengthen the team with distinguished local players, enhancing the technical staff's options ahead of the new season, which sees the team participating in several local and continental tournaments, most notably the Saudi Roshn League, King's Cup, Saudi Super Cup, AFC Champions League Elite, and the Confederations Cup.