Al-Ahli Signs Abdullah Radif on Free Transfer Amid Coaching Changes

Al-Ahli may be bracing for the loss of their head coach, but they are not standing still in the market.

With Matthias Jaissle’s resignation still stinging supporters, the Jeddah club have closed a new attacking deal, winning a late tug-of-war with Al-Diriyah to land Saudi striker Abdullah Radif on a free transfer.

A signing amid upheaval

Jaissle submitted his resignation on Thursday to take over at Newcastle United next season, stepping in for Eddie Howe and leaving Al-Ahli facing a major rebuild on the touchline.

Inside the club, though, the recruitment department has kept moving. On Saturday, Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat reported that Al-Ahli have finalised an agreement with Radif, formerly of Al-Hilal, as one of their key additions in the current summer window.

The 23-year-old will sign a four-year contract running until 2030, joining without a fee after his deal with Al-Hilal expired. Administrative procedures are being wrapped up, with an official announcement expected once the paperwork is complete and the player has signed.

Al-Diriyah’s late push falls short

Radif had already given the green light to Al-Ahli when the story briefly threatened to twist.

Newly promoted Al-Diriyah, preparing for their first campaign in the Roshn League, stormed into the race and came close to hijacking the move. For a moment, the deal looked in real danger.

Al-Ahli held their nerve. They saw off that late intervention and kept Radif on course for Jeddah, underlining their pulling power at a time when the club is dealing with the shock of losing its coach.

From Al-Hilal product to free agent

Al-Hilal had confirmed Radif’s definitive departure on 7 July, ending a five-year spell in the first team after he was promoted from the youth ranks. His development there unfolded largely through loan moves, with stints at Al-Taawoun, Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq and most recently Al-Feiha.

His latest spell came at Al-Feiha in the second half of last season. He featured in eight matches, failed to score but registered two assists, a modest return that did not prevent interest from bigger clubs.

Before Al-Ahli stepped in, Radif had actually agreed terms with Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract worth 27 million riyals, at 9 million per season. The move collapsed when Al-Ittihad withdrew, unable to secure the financial liquidity required to complete the transfer. That decision reopened the door, and Al-Ahli have walked straight through it.

Role in a crowded attack

Radif is not arriving as the headline act in attack, at least not yet. He is expected to start as Al-Ahli’s third-choice striker, battling Brazilian Ricardo Matias for minutes behind English forward Ivan Toney and Saudi international Firas Al-Buraikan.

For the club, he represents depth, youth and a domestic option in a key position. For the player, it is a chance to reset his trajectory at one of the league’s most scrutinised teams.

His arrival also continues an aggressive summer of recruitment. Radif becomes Al-Ahli’s sixth signing of the window, following Gambian Aboubakar Sidi Kinte, Portuguese winger Francisco Trincao, Armenian playmaker Eduard Spertsyan and Saudis Meshaal Al-Mutairi and Nayef Masoud.

The coach may be heading for the Premier League, but Al-Ahli’s squad is being quietly, steadily reshaped. The question now is simple: who will be the man on the touchline to knit all these new pieces together?