Al Ahli Saudi FC stand firm on Edouard Mendy and rule out 2026 exit

Al Ahli Saudi FC are determined to keep Senegal international goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and have no intention of allowing their captain to leave during the current transfer period, according to Saudi newspaper Okaz.

The club’s position is that Mendy will remain with the team until the end of his contract in the summer of 2028. Al Ahli Saudi FC have reportedly made it clear that they are not considering any decision to part with the goalkeeper’s services over the coming period.

That stance effectively closes the door on the possibility of Mendy departing during the transfer window. The Senegal goalkeeper is therefore expected to continue protecting Al Ahli Saudi FC’s goal, with his existing agreement running through to 2028.

Mendy’s contract was extended by Al Ahli Saudi FC in December 2025. The club announced the renewal after the goalkeeper’s previous deal had been approaching its conclusion, in a move that underlined their desire to retain the Senegal international for the long term.

The 34-year-old joined the Saudi side in the summer of 2023, moving from English club Chelsea. Since arriving, he has contributed to the team’s success in winning the AFC Champions League Elite twice, as well as the Saudi Super Cup.

Okaz’s report indicates that Al Ahli Saudi FC’s position has not changed despite the ongoing transfer activity. Rather than considering offers or preparing for Mendy’s departure, the club remains committed to keeping him as its goalkeeper and captain until the conclusion of his current contract.

Mendy’s continued presence provides certainty around one of the key positions in the squad. His contract renewal in 2025 had already represented a clear statement of the club’s intentions, and the latest report reinforces that commitment by ruling out any immediate plan to sell or release him.

The goalkeeper’s move to Saudi Arabia followed his spell with Chelsea, where he had established himself as an international-level goalkeeper before joining Al Ahli Saudi FC in 2023. His subsequent role in the club’s trophy successes has strengthened his importance to the team.

Al Ahli Saudi FC’s reported decision means there is no expectation of a change in goal before the end of the 2028 agreement. Unless the club’s position changes, Mendy will remain responsible for guarding the team’s goal and will continue as captain during the remainder of his contract.