Al-Ahli clarify Edouard Mendy’s position amid claims of internal dispute

Al-Ahli have no plans to part company with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, according to reports in Saudi Arabia, despite speculation linking the Senegal international with a return to the English leagues.

Sources inside the Saudi club told newspaper Al-Watan that Mendy remains part of Al-Ahli’s plans and that there is currently no proposal for him to leave. The same sources dismissed reports suggesting the 34-year-old goalkeeper is close to departing during the current summer transfer window.

Mendy’s future had become a subject of debate in recent days after reports claimed he could leave Al-Ahli, even though he remains under contract with the club. Those reports also suggested he could seek a return to English football, where he previously played.

The speculation has centred not only on the goalkeeper’s future but also on claims of an internal disagreement involving Al-Ahli sporting director Rui Pedro. Some reports have alleged that Pedro wants Mendy to leave because of concerns that the goalkeeper has become involved in matters beyond his technical responsibilities within the squad.

Those claims relate to Mendy’s role away from his performances on the pitch, rather than criticism of his ability as a goalkeeper. However, Al-Watan’s sources have rejected the idea that his departure is being considered, insisting that he will continue with the team.

Mendy remains one of the established figures in Al-Ahli’s squad. Since joining the club, he has been the coaching staff’s first-choice goalkeeper in both domestic and continental competitions, making him a regular part of the side’s plans.

The latest report therefore offers a direct response to the rumours surrounding the former Chelsea goalkeeper, while also attempting to separate his position within the team from the claims of tension involving Pedro.

For now, the information from inside Al-Ahli is that Mendy will remain with the Saudi club. The reports of a possible move away, and the suggestion that the sporting director is seeking his departure, have not been accepted by those sources.

Mendy’s continued presence preserves the position he has held since arriving at Al-Ahli: the club’s main goalkeeper for domestic and continental matches. His contract remains in place, and Al-Ahli are understood to regard the reports linking him with an exit as inaccurate.