Abdullah Radif: Al Ahli hijack move for ex-Al Hilal striker after Al Ittihad pull out

Al Ahli have secured the signing of former Al Hilal striker Abdullah Radif on a four-year deal, after cross-city rivals Al Ittihad withdrew from an almost-completed move due to financial constraints.

The 23-year-old forward, who left Al Hilal earlier this month, had verbally agreed a three-year contract with Al Ittihad worth 27m Saudi riyals (£5.6m), before the Jeddah club backed away from the transfer.

Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reports that Al Ahli quickly moved to capitalise, striking an agreement with Radif to join during the current summer transfer window on a contract running until 2030.

Al Ahli win battle for in-demand striker

Radif’s switch adds another layer of intrigue to the rivalry between Al Ahli and Al Ittihad, with the player set to stay in Jeddah but in green rather than yellow and black.

The forward had “already agreed” to join Al Ittihad on a three-season deal, under which he would have earned 9m riyals per year, before the club – known as “Al-Ameed” – decided against completing the signing because of a lack of available funds.

Al Ahli’s intervention makes Radif their sixth signing of the current window as they continue to reshape their squad ahead of the new Saudi Pro League campaign.

Role in Al Ahli’s attacking hierarchy

Radif is expected to be used as Al Ahli’s third-choice centre-forward, competing directly with Brazilian striker Ricardo Matias for minutes.

He will be operating behind England international Ivan Toney and Saudi Arabia forward Firas Al-Buraikan in the pecking order, according to the same report.

The move is seen as both a depth signing and a bet on potential, with Al Ahli looking to add a young domestic attacker to complement their high-profile foreign forwards.

Busy summer for Al Ahli

Radif’s arrival continues an aggressive recruitment drive by Al Ahli during the current transfer window.

The club have already brought in: – Gambian midfielder Abubacarr Sidi Kinteh – Portuguese winger Francisco Trincao – Armenian playmaker Eduard Spertsyan – Saudi players Mishaal Al-Mutairi and Naif Massoud

Radif becomes the sixth confirmed addition as the club attempt to build a squad capable of challenging at the top of the league and in continental competition.

From Al Hilal prospect to Jeddah switch

Al Hilal announced Radif’s permanent departure on 7 July, ending a five-year spell in the first team set-up.

Promoted from the youth ranks, he struggled to secure a regular place and was sent out on several loans to Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al Taawoun, Al Shabab, Al Ettifaq and Al Fayha.

His most recent stint was with Al Fayha in the second half of last season. There, he featured in only eight matches, failing to find the net but providing two assists.

Despite modest statistics at senior level so far, Al Ahli appear convinced by his potential and domestic-player value, tying him down on a long-term contract as they attempt to stay competitive with the league’s other heavily backed clubs.