Al-Ahli Saudi Squad 2024/25: A Comprehensive Overview
Al-Ahli Saudi Football Club, one of the most storied and successful teams in Saudi Arabian football, has consistently been a powerhouse in the Saudi Pro League. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the club has made significant strides in bolstering its squad with a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents. This season, Al-Ahli aims to reclaim its position at the pinnacle of Saudi football, competing not only domestically but also on the continental stage. The squad has been meticulously assembled, with each player bringing unique qualities to the team. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the Al-Ahli Saudi squad for the 2024/25 season, categorized by position.
Goalkeepers
1. David de Gea
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Manchester United, Atlético Madrid.
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
David de Gea, the seasoned Spanish shot-stopper, joined Al-Ahli in 2023 after a storied career at Manchester United. Known for his incredible reflexes and ability to make acrobatic saves, de Gea brings a wealth of experience to the team. During his time at Manchester United, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League, earning a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His leadership and composure under pressure make him a vital asset for Al-Ahli, especially in high-stakes matches. At 33, de Gea remains in peak physical condition, and his distribution skills have improved significantly, making him a modern goalkeeper capable of initiating attacks from the back.
2. Mohammed Al-Owais
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Shabab, Al-Hilal.
Transfer Fee: $2.5 million (2022)
Mohammed Al-Owais is a Saudi Arabian international who has been a consistent performer for both club and country. Having previously played for Al-Shabab and Al-Hilal, Al-Owais joined Al-Ahli in 2022 and has since established himself as a reliable backup to de Gea. Known for his quick reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Al-Owais has been a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s national team, representing the country in multiple AFC Asian Cups and World Cup qualifiers. His ability to read the game and make crucial saves in one-on-one situations makes him a valuable member of the squad.
3. Fawaz Al-Qarni
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Ettifaq, Al-Shabab.
Transfer Fee: $1 million (2021)
Fawaz Al-Qarni is a talented young goalkeeper who has been with Al-Ahli since 2021. Despite being third in the pecking order, Al-Qarni has shown immense potential during his limited appearances. His agility and shot-stopping ability have earned him praise, and he is seen as a future star for both Al-Ahli and the Saudi national team. Al-Qarni’s development has been closely monitored by the coaching staff, and he is expected to play a more prominent role in the coming seasons.
Defenders
1. Kalidou Koulibaly
Nationality: Senegalese
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Napoli.
Transfer Fee: $20 million (2023)
Kalidou Koulibaly, the towering Senegalese defender, joined Al-Ahli in 2023 after a brief stint at Chelsea. Known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game, Koulibaly is a defensive stalwart. During his time at Napoli, he was widely regarded as one of the best center-backs in Europe, earning a place in the Serie A Team of the Year multiple times. His leadership qualities and experience in top European leagues make him a cornerstone of Al-Ahli’s defense. Koulibaly’s ability to play out from the back and his composure under pressure have been instrumental in Al-Ahli’s defensive solidity.
2. Sergi Roberto
Nationality: Spanish
Former Clubs: Barcelona.
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
Sergi Roberto, a versatile defender who can also play in midfield, joined Al-Ahli in 2023 after spending his entire career at Barcelona. Known for his technical ability, vision, and versatility, Roberto brings a wealth of experience to the team. During his time at Barcelona, he won numerous titles, including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. His ability to play as a right-back, central midfielder, or even as a wing-back provides Al-Ahli with tactical flexibility. Roberto’s leadership and experience in high-pressure situations make him a valuable asset for the squad.
3. Yasser Al-Shahrani
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Hilal.
Transfer Fee: $3 million (2020)
Yasser Al-Shahrani is one of the most consistent left-backs in Saudi Arabian football. Having previously played for Al-Hilal, Al-Shahrani joined Al-Ahli in 2020 and has since been a mainstay in the team. Known for his pace, crossing ability, and defensive awareness, Al-Shahrani is a key player for both Al-Ahli and the Saudi national team. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an indispensable part of the squad.
4. Ahmed Hegazi
Nationality: Egyptian
Former Clubs: West Bromwich Albion, Al-Ittihad.
Transfer Fee: $5 million (2022)
Ahmed Hegazi, the Egyptian center-back, joined Al-Ahli in 2022 after a successful spell at Al-Ittihad. Known for his physicality, aerial ability, and leadership, Hegazi has been a rock at the heart of Al-Ahli’s defense. His experience in the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion has equipped him with the skills to handle high-pressure situations. Hegazi’s ability to organize the defense and his knack for scoring from set-pieces make him a valuable asset.
Midfielders
1. Georginio Wijnaldum
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool.
Transfer Fee: $10 million (2023)
Georginio Wijnaldum, the Dutch midfield maestro, joined Al-Ahli in 2023 after a mixed spell at Paris Saint-Germain. Known for his energy, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess, Wijnaldum brings a wealth of experience to the team. During his time at Liverpool, he played a pivotal role in their UEFA Champions League and Premier League triumphs. Wijnaldum’s ability to control the tempo of the game and his knack for arriving in the box at the right time make him a key player for Al-Ahli.
2. Ruben Neves
Nationality: Portuguese
Former Clubs: Wolverhampton Wanderers, FC Porto.
Transfer Fee: $25 million (2023)
Ruben Neves, the Portuguese midfield dynamo, joined Al-Ahli in 2023 after a successful spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Known for his passing range, vision, and ability to score from distance, Neves is a complete midfielder. His leadership qualities and experience in the English Premier League make him a vital cog in Al-Ahli’s midfield. Neves’ ability to dictate play and his defensive contributions make him an indispensable part of the squad.
3. Salman Al-Faraj
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Hilal.
Transfer Fee: $4 million (2021)
Salman Al-Faraj, the Saudi Arabian midfield maestro, joined Al-Ahli in 2021 after a long and successful career at Al-Hilal. Known for his vision, passing ability, and leadership, Al-Faraj is a key player for both Al-Ahli and the Saudi national team. His experience in the AFC Champions League and his ability to control the tempo of the game make him a vital asset for the squad.
Forwards
1. Roberto Firmino
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Liverpool, Hoffenheim.
Transfer Fee: Free Transfer (2023)
Roberto Firmino, the Brazilian forward, joined Al-Ahli in 2023 after a legendary career at Liverpool. Known for his creativity, work rate, and goal-scoring ability, Firmino brings a wealth of experience to the team. During his time at Liverpool, he won the UEFA Champions League and Premier League, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile forwards in the world. Firmino’s ability to link play and his knack for scoring crucial goals make him a key player for Al-Ahli.
2. Allan Saint-Maximin
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Newcastle United, Nice.
Transfer Fee: $30 million (2023)
Allan Saint-Maximin, the French winger, joined Al-Ahli in 2023 after a successful spell at Newcastle United. Known for his dribbling skills, pace, and creativity, Saint-Maximin is a fan favorite. His ability to take on defenders and create chances out of nothing makes him a key player for Al-Ahli. Saint-Maximin’s flair and unpredictability add a new dimension to Al-Ahli’s attack.
3. Firas Al-Buraikan
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Former Clubs: Al-Fateh, Al-Nassr.
Transfer Fee: $8 million (2022)
Firas Al-Buraikan, the Saudi Arabian forward, joined Al-Ahli in 2022 after a successful spell at Al-Fateh. Known for his pace, finishing, and ability to play as a center-forward or winger, Al-Buraikan is a key player for both Al-Ahli and the Saudi national team. His ability to score goals and create chances makes him a vital asset for the squad.
Conclusion
The Al-Ahli Saudi squad for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experienced international stars and talented local players. With a strong defensive unit, a dynamic midfield, and a potent attack, Al-Ahli is well-equipped to compete on all fronts. The additions of players like David de Gea, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Roberto Firmino have added a new level of quality to the team, while the presence of Saudi Arabian talents like Yasser Al-Shahrani and Firas Al-Buraikan ensures a strong connection with the local fanbase. As the season unfolds, Al-Ahli will be aiming to reclaim its status as one of the top teams in Saudi Arabian football and make a significant impact on the continental stage.
