Al Ahli tie down Valentin Atangana until 2029 amid Premier League interest

Al Ahli have secured the future of French midfielder Valentin Atangana by extending his contract until 2029, preventing a repeat of the circumstances surrounding former manager Matthias Jaissle’s departure.

The renewal was completed on Thursday following negotiations led by Al Ahli chief executive Fabrice Bouquet, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya.

Atangana, 21, had attracted interest from several Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest among those previously linked with the midfielder.

Al Ahli announced the player’s continued stay in a video posted on the club’s official account on X, although the length of the new agreement was not disclosed in the message. The post carried the wording: “Valentin Atangana, in his right place.”

Al Ahli’s decision comes after Jaissle left the Saudi club only days before the start of the current Roshn Saudi League season. The German coach paid the release clause in his contract to take charge of Newcastle United.

The club had been working for some time to extend Atangana’s deal, with Bouquet overseeing the talks. The agreement ensures Al Ahli retain a player who has become an important part of the team since arriving from French club Stade de Reims in the summer of 2025.

Atangana has made 49 appearances for Al Ahli in all competitions since moving to the club. He has scored six goals but has not registered an assist during that time.

He is expected to be involved when Al Ahli travel to face Al Fateh on Friday at First Tamweel Aloula Field in Al-Ahsa in the eighth round of the Roshn Saudi League.

Al Ahli are sixth in the Saudi league table with 12 points from four wins and three defeats. They are six points behind leaders Al Hilal.

The new contract represents a further step in Al Ahli’s efforts to protect a promising young player from interest in England’s top flight, after Atangana’s form prompted attention from Premier League clubs during the most recent transfer window.