In a move aimed at restructuring the first team, the board of directors of Al-Ahli Saudi FC reached a final agreement with left-back Abdullah Al-Ammar to mutually terminate his contract. This decisive decision comes as part of the Jeddah-based club's intensive preparations for the winter transfer window and its efforts to improve the team's performance in domestic and continental competitions.
The decision to release Al-Ammar was based on a detailed technical report and the direct request of German coach Matthias Jäissle, who was convinced that the player should not remain with Al-Ahli. The coach's wishes aligned with those of the player himself, who requested a transfer in search of a new opportunity for regular playing time, having fallen completely out of favor with the coaching staff recently. This situation had made his continued presence on the bench untenable and negatively impacted his professional career.
Al-Ammar's career with Al-Ahly and the reasons for his departure
Abdullah Al-Ammar joined Al-Ahli from Damac on a three-year contract, amidst high expectations that he would effectively fill the left-back position. Despite a promising start, however, tactical changes, injuries, and coach Yassla's tactical decisions gradually diminished his role, ultimately leading to his exclusion from both the starting lineup and the substitutes' bench in several important matches.
The left-back crisis and the search for a replacement
Al-Ahli has been suffering from instability at left-back for quite some time, a position that has consistently been a headache for successive coaching staffs at the club. In this context, sources have revealed that Al-Ahli's management has already begun serious efforts to sign a distinguished local replacement, setting its sights on Saad Balabid, a player for Al-Shabab, with the aim of acquiring him during the upcoming winter transfer window.
The move towards Balabid comes as Matthias Jäsle is not convinced of the levels offered by the duo currently in this position, namely Abdul-Ilah Al-Khaibri and Zakaria Hawsawi (before the latter’s departure). The German coach sees the need to bring in a name that possesses the experience and technical quality capable of providing the desired addition in both the defensive and offensive aspects, especially in light of the fierce competition in the Saudi Professional League.
The context of the competition and the importance of the winter transfer window
The upcoming winter transfer window is of paramount importance to Al-Ahli, as the team seeks to bolster its ranks and address the weaknesses exposed during the first half of the season. The left flank is a top priority for the management, given its tactical significance in the modern playing styles employed by coach Yasser Al-Ahli. Al-Ahli fans hope the management will successfully finalize both departures and arrivals with precision, ensuring the team's return to strong contention for titles and fulfilling the aspirations of the club's vast fan base.
