Al-Ahli is close to finalizing a new deal in the summer transfer window, overcoming its traditional rival Al-Ittihad in the race for signings.

The Saudi summer transfer market is witnessing significant activity among the major clubs, with Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Hilal competing for signings.

Saudi newspaper "Al-Yaum" reported that Abdullah Redif, a former Al-Hilal striker, is close to signing for Al-Ahli, after his negotiations with Al-Ittihad stalled in the current summer transfer window.

Al-Hilal announced the permanent departure of Abdullah Redif from its ranks, after five years since his promotion to the first team, during which he was loaned to Al-Taawoun, Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq, and Al-Fayha.

According to the same newspaper, Abdullah Redif had reached an agreement with Al-Ittihad on a three-season contract worth 27 million riyals (9 million annually).

However, Al-Ittihad's management later informed the player (23 years old) that it could not provide the necessary liquidity, which halted the deal.

Due to the failed move to Al-Ittihad, Abdullah Redif is heading to accept the previous offer he received from Al-Ahli, in order to join its ranks on a free transfer during the current summer transfer window.

Redif is expected to be Al-Ahli's third striker, competing with Brazilian Ricardo Mathias, behind Englishman Ivan Toney and Saudi Firas Al-Buraikan.

It is worth noting that the young Saudi striker's last experience was with Al-Fayha during the second half of last season, where he only participated in 8 matches, scoring no goals, but providing two assists.

After the stalling of #AlIttihad's negotiations .. #AbdullahRedif approaches wearing the #AlAhli jersey

Our sources confirmed that Saudi striker Abdullah Redif preferred to move to Al-Ittihad, where an agreement was reached between the two parties to sign a three-season contract worth 27 million riyals, at 9 million riyals annually.

Our sources explained that… pic.twitter.com/3iXOmtzyeZ

— Al-Maidan Al-Riyadi (@MidanAlYaum) July 22, 2026

With this deal, Al-Ahli strengthens its attacking line with a young player who has experience in the Saudi league, but his recent numbers (8 matches, no goals, two assists) raise questions about his readiness. On the other hand, Al-Ittihad's financial inability to complete deals is evident, which may affect its plans for the new season. With Redif's arrival, competition in Al-Ahli's attack increases with the presence of Ivan Toney and Firas Al-Buraikan. The coming period is expected to see more moves in the transfer market before it closes.