Al-Diriyah, recently promoted to the Saudi Roshn League, has succeeded in outperforming Al-Ahli by snatching one of the Premier League stars from them during the current summer transfer window.

The Saudi newspaper 'Al Riyadiah' reported that Al-Diriyah has agreed with Senegalese Idrissa Gana Gueye, former Everton midfielder, to join its ranks on a one-season contract.

The Senegalese midfielder will move to the Saudi club on a free transfer after his contract with the English club ended at the end of last season.

Gueye was one of Al-Ahli's targets during the current summer transfer window, as 'Al-Raqi' searches for a new midfielder in case Frenchman Enzo Millot leaves the squad, given that he has been excluded from the calculations of German coach Matthias Jaissle.

Thus, Al-Ahli's efforts will focus on signing Frenchman Manu Koné, Roma midfielder, as he remains the top midfield target should Millot leave.

Idrissa Gana Gueye has a distinguished career in European football, starting in the French league with Lille from his promotion to the first team in 2010 until his move to Aston Villa in 2015.

After a single season with the 'Villans', the 38-year-old moved to Everton, spending three years there before his most important stint with Paris Saint-Germain between 2019 and 2022, after which he returned to 'the Toffees'.

During the last season, Idrissa Gueye made 25 appearances for Everton, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He also played in Senegal's four matches in the 2026 World Cup without scoring or assisting.