In an interview with ‘Koora Rotana,’ Al-Issa, a key figure at Al-Ahli, provided insights into the club’s recent transfer decisions and future plans. The discussion revealed the reasons behind the club’s summer transfer strategy and hinted at their intentions for the upcoming winter window.
Summer Transfer Decisions
Al-Issa explained that the club decided to offload Maximin due to the ease of the sale process and the manageable financial implications for other clubs. Originally, Al-Ahli aimed to sign a top-tier winger, specifically targeting Vinícius Jr. from Real Madrid. However, negotiations were disrupted by the unexpected departure of Saudi players, including striker Firas Al-Braikan, who was set to leave for professional opportunities. This change in circumstances prompted a shift in priorities from acquiring a winger to focusing on a new striker.
As a result, Al-Ahli entered negotiations with Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen, ultimately securing Toney’s arrival.
Future Plans
Despite not signing a winger during the summer transfer window, Al-Issa indicated that Al-Ahli is planning to address this gap in the winter window. He stated: “Firas Al-Braikan did not enter the scholarship program and therefore continued with us. As a result, a void occurred in the wing position, and we will work to strengthen this position with a deal that exceeds the ambitions of Al-Ahli fans during the winter period.” This suggests that the club is committed to making a significant acquisition to enhance their squad in the upcoming transfer window.
Al-Issa’s remarks provide clarity on Al-Ahli’s recent transfer decisions and highlight their strategic adjustments in response to unexpected changes. The club’s focus on strengthening their wing position in the winter window demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive squad and meeting fan expectations.
Summary Bullet Points
– Al-Ahli offloaded Maximin due to manageable sale process and financial implications.
– Shifted focus from winger to striker after unexpected departures, resulting in Ivan Toney’s signing.
– Plans to target a top winger in the winter transfer window to address positional gaps.