Abha eye free transfer for Senegal defender Abdou Diallo after Qatar spell

Senegal international Abdou Diallo, currently without a club after leaving Al-Arabi SC, is being linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Abha as the defender weighs up his next step at the age of 30.

Diallo, who was part of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad in 2022, became a free agent on 1 July 2026 following the end of his contract in Qatar, opening the door for Abha to explore a deal without a transfer fee. His current market valuation is around €4m, but any agreement would centre on salary and bonuses rather than a fee between clubs.

The left-footed centre-back spent the past three seasons in the Stars League, most recently with Al-Arabi and on loan at Umm Salal SC, after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in a €15m move in August 2023. Before heading to the Gulf, he built a substantial reputation in Europe with spells at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund, PSG and on loan at RB Leipzig, winning league titles in France and a German cup during that period.

Diallo has amassed more than 60 Bundesliga appearances and over 50 in Ligue 1, as well as experience in the UEFA Champions League, offering Abha a defender proven at the highest level and familiar with different tactical environments.

Born in Tours and eligible for both Senegal and France, Diallo’s combination of top-flight European experience and recent exposure to football in the Gulf region is understood to appeal to Abha as they look to reinforce their back line for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. For now, the centre-back remains unattached and free to negotiate with interested clubs.