Al Ahli make stance clear on Firas Al-Buraikan amid Saudi transfer talk

Al Ahli have rejected reports suggesting Firas Al-Buraikan can leave the club by triggering a specific release clause, insisting the striker remains part of their plans for the coming years.

Speculation about the Saudi Arabia international’s future had circulated in recent days, with reports claiming that his contract contained a provision allowing him to join any club in return for a predetermined fee.

However, Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya reported that Al Ahli have no intention of allowing Al-Buraikan to depart and regard him as a central figure in the club’s sporting project. The report also stated that there is no clause in his contract permitting him to leave for a set amount.

The clarification is likely to ease concerns among Al Ahli supporters, who had been worried that one of the team’s most important attacking players could be available to other clubs on relatively straightforward terms.

Al-Buraikan is valued by the club not only for his goalscoring ability but also for his versatility. He can operate in more than one position, making him an important option for the coaching staff as Al Ahli prepare for the next phase of their development.

The club are also seeking to preserve their core squad after a number of prominent players left during the recent period. Against that background, reports of a possible exit for Al-Buraikan had prompted particular concern among the fanbase.

Al Ahli’s management are said to be committed to keeping the forward and believe he will remain an integral part of the team’s plans. The club consider his continued presence important to the project they are building over the next several seasons.

According to Al Riyadiya, Al-Buraikan is under contract with Al Ahli until the end of the 2027-28 season, with the agreement due to expire in summer 2028. The club’s management and coaching staff are reported to have strong confidence in his ability and view him as one of the players they will rely on most during the next stage.

The latest report therefore dismisses the suggestion that Al-Buraikan could leave easily by paying, or attracting a bid worth, a fixed amount written into his contract. Instead, Al Ahli’s position is that the striker remains tied to the club under the existing agreement and is expected to continue as part of the squad.

The speculation emerged during a period of wider transfer interest involving major names in football. A separate report referenced by the source asked whether Mohamed Salah could be heading to Atletico Madrid, although that issue is unrelated to Al-Buraikan’s position at Al Ahli.