Al-Ahli Saudi FC insist Firas Al-Birakan will stay amid transfer speculation

Al-Ahli Saudi FC are determined to keep Firas Al-Birakan, despite reports linking the Saudi Arabia international with a move away from the club during the current summer transfer window.

A source within the Al-Ahli Saudi FC administration told Al-Riyadiya that the club have no intention of allowing the forward to leave and regard him as an important part of their long-term project.

The report said suggestions that Al-Birakan could depart are incorrect. The striker’s contract with Al-Ahli Saudi FC runs until the summer of 2028 and does not contain a release clause.

Al-Birakan began his career in the youth system at Al Nassr before making the step up to the first team in 2017. He helped the club win the Saudi Pro League title in the 2018-19 season and the Saudi Super Cup in 2020.

He left Al Nassr for Al Fateh in the summer of 2021, where his performances developed significantly. During his time with Al Fateh, Al-Birakan scored 33 goals and provided nine assists in 65 appearances across all competitions.

That record persuaded Al-Ahli Saudi FC to sign him in the summer of 2023 on a long-term contract. Since joining the Jeddah-based club, he has played an important role in a successful period for the team.

Al-Birakan has contributed to Al-Ahli Saudi FC winning the AFC Champions League Elite twice, as well as the Saudi Super Cup.

He has made 127 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 30 goals and supplying 17 assists.

The 26-year-old is also regarded as one of the leading players in the Saudi Arabia national team. His importance to both club and country has made him one of the most prominent attacking players in Saudi football.

Despite the transfer speculation surrounding him, Al-Ahli Saudi FC’s position is that Al-Birakan remains part of their plans. With his contract running for another two seasons beyond the current campaign and no release clause included, the club appear firmly committed to retaining the forward.