Mohamed Konaté’s time at Al-Riyadh appears to be drawing to a premature close less than a year after his arrival in Saudi Arabia.
The 27-year-old Burkinabe striker, who joined the club on a free transfer from Russian side Akhmat Grozny in August 2024, is now being linked with a move away following an underwhelming campaign.
In 27 appearances across all competitions for Al-Riyadh, Konaté managed just four goals and one assist—a return that has reportedly fallen short of expectations within the club’s hierarchy.
The Saudi Pro League side, which had hoped the forward would add attacking impetus, is now actively exploring options to offload the Burkina Faso international before the new season.
Turkish outfit Gaziantep FK is closely monitoring Konaté’s situation. The Super Lig side recently appointed Ismet Taşdemir as their new technical director and is said to be keen on bringing the Stallions forward to Turkey.
Gaziantep had shown interest in Konaté during the 2024 summer window, but the player ultimately opted for the Saudi switch instead.
Despite Konaté being under contract with Al-Riyadh until 2027, the club seems prepared to cut ties early.
His current market valuation stands at €2.3 million according to Transfermarkt, though it remains unclear whether potential suitors would be willing to meet that figure given his recent performances.
Still, his proven record in Russia and international experience with Burkina Faso could keep him on the radar of clubs looking to bolster their forward line.
Konaté arrived at Al-Riyadh with high expectations after a productive spell at Akhmat Grozny, where he built a reputation as a physical and industrious centre-forward.
His move to Saudi Arabia was seen as a step up both financially and professionally.
However, the transition has not gone as planned, with inconsistency and lack of goals highlighting his time in the Saudi Pro League.
For Al-Riyadh, moving on from Konaté could create space for a more prolific striker as they look to rebuild their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
For the player himself, a move to a league such as the Turkish Super Lig may offer a chance to rediscover his form and re-establish himself as a reliable goalscorer.
The situation is being watched closely by multiple clubs, and with the summer transfer window in full swing, developments are expected in the coming weeks.
Whether Gaziantep FK or another interested side will formalise their pursuit remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Mohamed Konaté’s future at Al-Riyadh hangs in the balance.
