Al Ahli reach agreement with Al Fateh for Saeed Baattia before Al Hilal clash

Al Ahli have agreed a deal with Al Fateh for the transfer of Saudi right-back Saeed Baattia, shortly before their Roshn Saudi League match against Al Hilal, according to Saudi journalist Khaled Al Rasheed.

The agreement between the two clubs covers the required transfer fee, but the move has not yet been completed. Al Ahli are waiting for Baattia’s formal approval before finalising the signing.

Al Hilal host Al Ahli at Kingdom Arena on Tuesday in a rescheduled fixture from the third round of the Roshn Saudi League. The deal was reported only minutes before the much-anticipated meeting between the two clubs.

Baattia, 24, had been linked with a move to Al Nassr on several occasions during the current summer transfer window. However, Al Ahli have now moved ahead of their domestic rivals after reaching an agreement with Al Fateh for the player’s transfer.

Al Rasheed reported that Al Nassr were unable to complete negotiations because they could not provide the full amount required for the deal. The club are operating under financial monitoring, which affected their ability to meet Al Fateh’s demands.

In a post announcing the development, Al Rasheed wrote: “Al Ahli have agreed with Al Fateh to buy Saeed Baattia’s contract, the right-back, for a financial amount. The player’s official approval to move to Al Ahli remains before the deal can be completed officially. Al Nassr were unable to enter the negotiations because they could not provide the full amount of the deal amid the monitoring…”

Baattia was an important member of the Al Fateh squad last season. He made 34 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing one assist.

The reported agreement gives Al Ahli the opportunity to strengthen their options at right-back, although the player’s decision remains the final outstanding step in the transfer. Until Baattia gives his approval, the move cannot be officially confirmed.

The timing of the announcement adds further interest to an already significant fixture for Al Ahli, who visit Kingdom Arena to face Al Hilal in the postponed league contest. At the same time, the agreement represents a setback for Al Nassr, who had previously been associated with the defender but could not progress their interest because of the financial restrictions affecting the club.

Al Fateh had also been involved in a proposed transfer involving goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi last month. Baattia’s name was linked to Al Nassr in connection with that situation, but the move for Al-Aqidi stopped unexpectedly.

Al Ahli must now secure Baattia’s consent before the transfer can be declared complete. If that approval is obtained, the Saudi right-back will leave Al Fateh after a season in which he played a prominent role across domestic competitions.