Abdullah Radif joins Al Ahli after four loan spells away from Al Hilal

Al Ahli have signed Al Hilal striker Abdullah Radif, giving the Saudi Arabian forward a fresh opportunity after a series of loan moves in the Saudi Pro League.

The club officially announced the deal on Saturday, with Radif set to wear the number 21 shirt for the Asian champions as they strengthen their attacking options.

The move ends a period in which Radif repeatedly left Al Hilal on temporary transfers in search of regular first-team football. The 23-year-old came through Al Hilal’s academy and progressed through the club’s youth system before being promoted to the senior squad in 2021.

However, opportunities at his parent club remained limited and he spent the following seasons gaining experience with several Saudi Pro League sides.

His first loan spell was with Al Taawoun, where he made 15 appearances and scored twice. Radif then joined Al Shabab, playing 20 matches and finding the net three times.

The striker moved on to Al Ettifaq for another spell and again scored three goals, although he needed 28 appearances to reach that total. His most recent loan was with Al Fayha, where he featured eight times without scoring or providing an assist.

Those figures underline a career in which Radif has yet to establish himself with one club for a sustained period. His move to Al Ahli could now provide the continuity and greater responsibility needed for him to show more of his attacking ability.

Al Ahli are looking to expand their attacking choices as expectations rise around the club. They have won the AFC Champions League Elite in each of the past two editions, increasing the demands on the squad as they compete at the highest level in Saudi and continental football.

For Radif, the transfer represents a chance to move beyond the role of a player repeatedly sent out on loan and become a regular contributor for one of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs.

His development began at Al Hilal, where he was regarded as a product of the club’s academy and youth structure. Yet despite making the step up to the first team in 2021, he spent much of the past few years away from the club while attempting to secure consistent playing time elsewhere.

At Al Ahli, he will hope the latest chapter of his career brings the stability that proved elusive during his previous assignments. The club’s decision to formally present him as a number 21 player signals the start of his new campaign in the colours of the AFC Champions League Elite holders.

The deal closes one of Al Ahli’s attacking transfer priorities during the summer window and gives Radif an immediate platform to compete for a more prominent role.