Diriyah pull off Idrissa Gana Gueye coup as newly promoted side outmanoeuvre Al Ahli

Diriyah have reached an agreement to sign former Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye on a free transfer, beating Saudi Pro League rivals Al Ahli to the signature of the Senegal international.

The Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya reports that Diriyah, promoted to the Roshn Saudi League for the coming season, have struck a deal with Gueye on a one-year contract following the expiry of his terms at Everton at the end of last season.

Gueye, 34, will join as a free agent after his second spell with the Premier League club came to an end this summer. The move marks the first time the experienced midfielder has played in Saudi Arabia, after a long career in France and England.

Al Ahli miss out as midfield plans shift

Al Ahli had identified Gueye as one of their main targets for the current transfer window as they searched for midfield reinforcements.

The Jeddah club had been planning for the possible departure of French midfielder Enzo Millot, who has fallen out of favour with German head coach Matthias Jaissle and is no longer considered central to his plans.

With Gueye opting for Diriyah instead, Al Ahli are now expected to focus fully on signing French midfielder Manu Kone from Roma. Kone is regarded within the club as their primary midfield target if Millot leaves during this window.

European pedigree

Gueye arrives in Saudi Arabia with a substantial European pedigree. The Senegalese international began his senior career with Lille, breaking into the first team in 2010 and establishing himself in Ligue 1 over a five-year spell.

In 2015 he moved to Aston Villa, spending one season with the Birmingham club before joining Everton the following year. He then spent three years at Goodison Park in his first stint with the Toffees.

That form earned him a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, where he played between 2019 and 2022 in what is widely viewed as the most high-profile chapter of his club career. After three seasons in Paris, he returned to Everton for a second spell.

Gueye, who is 34 according to the report, completed his final campaign with Everton last season, featuring in 25 matches in all competitions. He scored two goals and provided three assists during that period.

World Cup involvement

On the international stage, Gueye remains an important figure for Senegal. He played in all four of Senegal’s matches at the 2026 World Cup, although he did not score or assist during the tournament.

Diriyah will now look to build around Gueye’s experience as they prepare for their first season in the Roshn Saudi League, hoping his previous spells in Ligue 1, the Premier League and with Paris Saint-Germain can help stabilise the newly promoted side in the top flight.