Pedro Goncalves set for big-money Diriyah move as Saudi Pro League newcomers beat Al Ittihad and Al Ahli to Sporting winger

Diriyah, newly promoted to the Saudi Pro League, have struck another high-profile deal by reaching an agreement to sign Sporting Lisbon winger Pedro Goncalves, seeing off competition from Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.

According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiah, the 28-year-old Portugal international has agreed to join Diriyah in the current summer transfer window on a two-year contract, with an option for a third season.

Goncalves is expected to earn a total of €30m in salary over the duration of the deal, should the full three years be activated.

The transfer has been driven by Diriyah’s new Portuguese head coach Bruno Lage, who is reported to have made Goncalves one of his top targets after taking charge of the club. Diriyah have now reached a full agreement with the Sporting star, subject to medical checks.

Medical imminent before Diriyah camp link-up

Goncalves is scheduled to undergo his medical examinations in the coming hours. If he passes as expected, he will then sign his contract officially and link up with Diriyah’s pre-season camp.

The move marks another statement of intent from the Riyadh-based side, who are preparing for their first campaign in the Saudi Pro League, known commercially as the Roshn Saudi League.

Diriyah have been tracking Goncalves alongside several leading Saudi clubs, with Al Ahli and Al Ittihad named among those monitoring his situation before he chose the promoted club.

Second major coup after Idrissa Gana Gueye deal

This is Diriyah’s second headline-grabbing move of the window involving one of the Saudi Pro League’s established powers.

The club had already struck a blow to Al Ahli by securing an agreement with Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye following the expiry of his contract with Everton, convincing the experienced international to join them ahead of the new season.

Goncalves’ arrival would further underline Diriyah’s ambition to compete immediately with the league’s traditional heavyweights, both in terms of recruitment and profile.

Sporting star with prolific record

Goncalves has been one of Sporting Lisbon’s standout players in recent seasons, becoming a key figure for the Lisbon club since joining from Famalicao in 2020.

Earlier in his career he had short spells in the youth systems of Valencia and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but it was at Famalicao and then Sporting where he established himself at senior level.

His most notable individual achievement came in his debut campaign with Sporting in 2020-21, when he finished as the league’s top scorer in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and helped the club clinch the title.

Trophy-laden spell in Portugal

During his time at Sporting, Goncalves has contributed to a series of domestic honours. The 28-year-old has helped the club win the Portuguese league title three times.

He has also played a part in lifting the Taca de Portugal once, the Portuguese Super Cup once and the Taca da Liga on two occasions.

At international level, he has been part of the Portugal side that won the UEFA Nations League in the 2025 edition of the competition.

Strong numbers last season

Goncalves maintained his influence for Sporting last season, featuring in 41 matches in all competitions.

Over that campaign he scored 15 goals and provided nine assists, underlining the attacking output that has made him an attractive signing for Diriyah as they build for their top-flight debut.