Al Ettifaq has officially announced the departure of Cameroonian forward Karl Toko Ekambi following the conclusion of the 2024–2025 season.
The Saudi Pro League side confirmed that an agreement has been reached for the 32-year-old to leave the club once his current contract expires. Toko Ekambi, who joined Al Ettifaq with high expectations, endured a mixed campaign and has now parted ways with the Dammam-based outfit by mutual consent.
His time in Saudi Arabia saw flashes of quality but ultimately lacked the consistency that both the player and the club had hoped for. Throughout the season, his impact was sporadic, and despite his pedigree and attacking versatility, he struggled to cement a key role in the squad.
The club’s statement highlighted a respectful conclusion to the partnership, with both sides moving forward on good terms.
Toko Ekambi, who boasts a career that spans several top European leagues, will now enter the summer transfer market as a free agent. His availability is expected to draw interest from multiple clubs, particularly those in Europe seeking experienced attacking options.
Before his stint in the Middle East, Toko Ekambi built a reputation as a reliable goal scorer and creative presence. He previously featured for French side Olympique Lyonnais, where he played a pivotal role during their UEFA Champions League run in 2019–2020, as well as La Liga club Villarreal, where he gained recognition for his dynamic attacking style. His professional journey also includes notable spells at Angers and Sochaux in France.
Despite not reaching the heights anticipated during his Saudi Pro League tenure, his extensive résumé and international experience with Cameroon—where he has represented his country in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the FIFA World Cup—make him a valuable asset for clubs in need of depth and leadership in the final third.
Al Ettifaq’s confirmation of Toko Ekambi’s exit comes as the club prepares to recalibrate ahead of the next campaign. After finishing mid-table this season, the club is expected to make several changes to its squad in a bid to compete more effectively domestically and potentially on the continental stage.
While no immediate successor to Toko Ekambi has been announced, Al Ettifaq is likely to explore the transfer market for reinforcements to strengthen its forward line.
Meanwhile, Toko Ekambi will assess his options, with offers likely to come from both established European sides and clubs in emerging leagues looking to add experienced international talent.
As he moves into the next phase of his career, the forward remains a respected figure for his contributions at club and international level. His ability to operate across multiple attacking positions and his track record in major European competitions ensure that he will remain a player of interest during the off-season transfer window.
Al Ettifaq expressed its gratitude to Toko Ekambi for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours, marking a respectful end to a chapter that, while brief, added another layer to the Cameroonian’s diverse football journey.
