Al-Ahli Signs Abdullah Radif After Jaissle Departure
Al-Ahli have wasted no time filling one void while another still stings.
As supporters come to terms with the shock resignation of German coach Matthias Jaissle, the Jeddah club have pushed through a new attacking deal, winning a late tug-of-war with Al-Diriyah to land striker Abdullah Radif.
From coaching upheaval to transfer statement
Jaissle’s decision to walk away on Thursday, paving the way for a move to Newcastle United next season as successor to Eddie Howe, left a cloud hanging over Al-Ahli’s preparations. The timing hurt. The ambition of the project suddenly looked exposed.
So the club responded in the only way that really speaks in a transfer window: by signing talent.
Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Saturday that Al-Ahli have finalised an agreement with Radif, the former Al-Hilal forward, as their latest summer recruit. The 23-year-old arrives on a free transfer after his contract with Al-Hilal expired, and he will sign a four-year deal running through to 2030.
This was not the straightforward move it first appeared to be.
Radif had already given his approval to join Al-Ahli when newly promoted Al-Diriyah suddenly surged into the race, sensing an opportunity to hijack a deal and arm themselves for life in the Roshn League. For a brief spell, the momentum looked to be swinging their way.
Al-Ahli shut that door. They resisted the late push, reasserted their position and are now only waiting on final administrative steps and the player’s signature before making the move official.
A career of loans, a deal that collapsed, and a new role
Al-Hilal had drawn a line under Radif’s time at the club back on 7 July, confirming his departure five years after he was promoted to the first team. Those years were defined less by continuity than by suitcases and new dressing rooms.
He was sent out on loan to Al-Taawoun, Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq and most recently Al-Feiha, where he spent the second half of last season. There, his numbers were modest: eight appearances, no goals, two assists. Not the sort of headline output that dominates highlight reels, but enough to keep him on the radar of clubs looking for a young, physical option in attack.
Before Al-Ahli stepped in, Radif had actually been on the verge of a very different chapter. He agreed terms with Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract worth 27 million riyals in total, 9 million per season. The move collapsed when Al-Ittihad withdrew, unable to secure the financial liquidity required to close the deal.
From a big-money switch to a free transfer, the market turned sharply. Al-Ahli were ready to pounce.
In Jeddah, Radif is not being brought in as an instant saviour but as part of a layered attacking structure. He is expected to operate as the club’s third striker, competing with Brazilian Ricardo Matias for minutes behind English forward Ivan Toney and Saudi international Firas Al-Buraikan.
For a 23-year-old, that can be framed two ways: a daunting depth chart or a priceless education.
Building a squad in a hurry
Radif becomes Al-Ahli’s sixth signing of this summer window, a clear sign that the club are reshaping aggressively despite the turbulence in the dugout.
He joins Gambian midfielder Aboubakar Sidi Kinte, Portuguese winger Francisco Trincao, Armenian playmaker Eduard Spertsyan and Saudi duo Meshaal Al-Mutairi and Nayef Masoud in a growing list of arrivals.
Each addition tweaks the balance of the squad. This one also carries a message. Even as the coach packs his bags for the Premier League, Al-Ahli are still fighting their battles at home – and winning them.
The next question is simple and far more demanding: can Radif turn a career of loans and near-moves into a permanent breakthrough at a club that expects to compete at the very top of the Roshn League?
