Adil Boulbina’s European ambitions put on hold by Saudi Pro League move

Adil Boulbina is set to leave Al-Duhail after one season but will remain in the Middle East after agreeing a move to Saudi Pro League newcomers Al-Diriyah.

The agreement between the Doha-based club and Al-Diriyah has been reached, according to Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato. The transfer fee has not been disclosed.

The 23-year-old Algeria international had been expected to seek a new challenge after making 32 appearances for Al-Duhail last season, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists. However, his next destination will be Saudi Arabia rather than Europe.

Boulbina had hoped to move to the continent after spells in Algeria and Qatar. A number of clubs in Belgium and Germany had been monitoring his situation, while the former Paradou player was reportedly willing to take a pay cut to help make a transfer possible.

Those ambitions were complicated by two significant obstacles.

Financially, Al-Duhail were seeking between 10m euros and 12m euros for Boulbina. The winger is under contract with the club until June 2030, although there had been scope for negotiations around a fee of 7m-8m euros.

There was also a sporting consideration. Al-Duhail manager Djamel Belmadi was reluctant to lose a key player who had been a priority signing for him last summer.

Boulbina’s original plan was to gain experience, develop towards a place in Algeria’s senior national team and eventually test himself in Europe. He has since achieved the international objective, including an appearance at the 2026 World Cup, but his move to the continent will have to wait.

Instead, he is set to spend at least one more season in the Arabian Peninsula, this time with Al-Diriyah following the club’s promotion to the Saudi Pro League.

The transfer brings an end to Boulbina’s stay at Al-Duhail after only one campaign, despite the attacking contribution he made during that period. His record of 13 goals and seven assists had helped attract interest from European clubs, but no move was completed before Al-Diriyah reached an agreement with his current club.

The Saudi side’s promotion has created the opportunity for Boulbina to continue his career in the region while gaining another experience of top-level football in the Gulf. For now, though, the Algeria international’s ambition of playing in Europe remains delayed.