In a series of rapid developments within Al-Ahli Saudi FC, club officials have finalized the departure of professional player Matthieu Dames from the team. This move aims to free up a roster space for the club's recently acquired new signing. The decision comes after the club officially completed the signing of Brazilian talent Ricardo Matias, a striker from Internacional, in the past few hours, following a comprehensive agreement on all financial and contractual terms between the two parties.
Al-Ahli's management has decided to market Mateo Dames' contract in preparation for his departure during the upcoming winter transfer window, in order to secure the registration of Ricardo Matias in the team's official roster. This move comes as part of the club's strategy to inject new blood into the squad and rely on young players capable of making the desired technical contribution in domestic and continental competitions. The transfer fee for Matias to the club was approximately €10 million, an investment reflecting the club's desire to strengthen its attacking line with promising talents from the Brazilian league.
In a broader context, these moves come at a time when Saudi football is experiencing a qualitative leap in player recruitment, with major clubs backed by the Public Investment Fund seeking to attract the best international talent, from seasoned stars to rising young stars. Signing young players like Ricardo Matias represents a shift in recruitment policy, aiming to build a sustainable team capable of competing for many years, while adhering to the regulations of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Professional League regarding the number of foreign players allowed on the rosters.
In a related development concerning the challenges facing the team, Al Ahly is preparing for a period that may see the absence of several key players due to international commitments. Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, Ivorian Franck Kessié, and Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy are all expected to miss the Africa Cup of Nations with their respective national teams. This situation presents the coaching staff with a significant challenge in finding suitable replacements and maintaining the team's rhythm and cohesion during this period of impactful absences.
On the field, Al-Ahli's first football team continues its intensive preparations for the upcoming match against Iraqi side Al-Shorta in the next round of the AFC Champions League. The highly anticipated match will take place on December 24th, and Al-Ahli aims to secure a victory, strengthen its position in the group, and advance towards competing for the continental title, which is a top priority for Al-Ahli fans this season.
