Al Ahli’s Yassin Al-Zubaidi seeks move after playing just 27 minutes last season

Al Ahli winger Yassin Al-Zubaidi has asked to leave the club during the current summer transfer window following a hugely frustrating season on the fringes of the first team.

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, First Division side Al-Kholood have submitted an official request to Al Ahli to sign the 23-year-old on loan until the end of next season.

The report adds that Al-Zubaidi is pushing for a move away from the Jeddah club in search of regular football in 2024-25, having struggled to earn meaningful minutes since stepping up to senior level.

Limited role at Al Ahli

Promoted to Al Ahli’s first team in 2023, Al-Zubaidi failed to secure a consistent place in the side and was sent out on loan to Al-Okhdood for the second half of the 2023-2024 campaign, as well as for the 2024-2025 season.

He then returned to Al Ahli last term but remained on the periphery, making only four appearances as a substitute and totalling just 27 minutes of action across all competitions. That minimal involvement is understood to be the main factor behind his desire to depart.

Al-Zubaidi’s primary position is on the right wing, although he is also capable of operating on the left flank when required.

Al-Kholood’s rise boosts loan appeal

Al-Kholood’s interest comes after a standout season in Saudi football which saw the club emerge as one of the surprise packages in domestic competitions.

They reached the final of the King’s Cup (Crown Prince Cup), where their remarkable run ended in defeat to Al Hilal.

That cup campaign has enhanced Al-Kholood’s profile as an attractive destination for young players seeking greater exposure and responsibility, adding weight to Al-Zubaidi’s hope that a move there could provide the regular game time he has been unable to find at Al Ahli.

Al Ahli and Al-Kholood have yet to announce whether they have reached an agreement over the proposed loan.