Al-Ahli Saudi FC announced on Thursday evening a significant strategic move to bolster the stability of its first football team by extending the contract of Turkish international defender Merih Demiral, ensuring he will continue to represent the club until 2029. This decision comes as a culmination of the player's impressive career since arriving in Jeddah and reaffirms the club's commitment to retaining its key players to compete at all levels, both domestically and continentally.
From Serie A to the Russian Premier League: The beginning of the journey
Al-Ahli had successfully secured the services of the solid defender, currently 27 years old, from the Italian team Atalanta during the summer transfer window of the 2023/2024 season. This deal came at a time when the Saudi League witnessed a historic transformation by attracting top-tier international stars, and Demiral was one of the names on whom the Saudi sports project relied to raise the level of competition, benefiting from his previous experience with major clubs such as Juventus and Sassuolo in the Italian League.
Numbers speak louder than words: What has Demiral achieved with Al Ahly?
Demiral's path was not paved with roses, but rather came as a result of steadily increasing work, as reflected in the official statistics of his career with the Green Castle:
- The first season (2023/24): It was the adaptation phase, during which he participated in 21 matches, during which he scored one goal and made another, and received 4 yellow cards and one red card, with a total of 1681 minutes played.
- The second season (2024/25) saw an explosion in performance and reliability, with his appearances doubling to 44 matches. During this time, he displayed an attacking tendency, scoring one goal and providing three assists, while receiving nine yellow cards and one red card in 3807 minutes of play, reflecting his leadership role in the back line.
- Third season (2025/26): The player continues his main presence, having participated in 16 matches up to the moment of renewal, scoring one goal and receiving two yellow cards during 1387 minutes.
Golden achievements and a return to the podium
The "Turkish General's" contribution wasn't limited to individual statistics; he translated his brilliance into tangible championships that brought smiles back to Al-Ahli fans. During this journey, Demiral played a key role in securing two prestigious titles: the AFC Champions League , the continental title that returned Al-Ahli to the forefront of Asian football, and the Saudi Super Cup , demonstrating the winning mentality he instilled in the team.
The artistic and strategic value of renewal
Extending Demiral's contract sends a clear message from Al Ahli's management about their commitment to technical stability. The player is known for his aerial prowess, ability to build play from the back, and the defensive tenacity he acquired from the Italian school of football. His relatively young age (27) also means he is entering his prime with Al Ahli, making him a long-term investment and a future leader of the defense, especially given the increasing challenges in both domestic and international competitions.
