Georges-Kévin Nkoudou is reportedly on the verge of making a surprising move to Saudi Arabia’s second division just six months before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, raising questions about his future with the Cameroon national team.
The 30-year-old, who enjoyed an impressive season with Damac FC in the Saudi Pro League—scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in 29 appearances—is now close to finalising a transfer to Al Diriyah, a club newly promoted from the Saudi third division. According to local media reports, the two clubs have agreed on a fee in the region of €6.5 million.
Nkoudou had extended his contract with Damac until 2026 earlier this year, but financial issues at the club have forced a rethink. Al Diriyah, eager to bolster their squad with experienced talent, has removed the financial hurdles necessary to secure the winger’s signature.
If completed, the transfer would see Nkoudou join a roster that already includes seasoned African players such as Malian forward Moussa Marega (34) and Cape Verde international Julio Tavares (36).
Despite the move offering continuity and financial stability, the decision to drop a tier comes at a critical time for Nkoudou. Under former national coach Rigobert Song, he featured in every match during the last Africa Cup of Nations.
However, since Marc Brys took charge in late 2024, the winger has seen his role significantly reduced. Nkoudou has started just once under the new manager—against Zimbabwe in November, a match in which he contributed both a goal and an assist. An untimely injury in the following international window further stalled his efforts to reclaim a regular starting place.
Now, with the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations set to begin in January 2025 in Morocco, Nkoudou’s decision to play in a lower division could have serious implications for his international prospects.
While players such as Algeria’s Saïd Benrahma have remained in their national team setups despite similar moves—Benrahma joined Neom SC in Saudi Arabia’s second division earlier this year but continued to feature prominently for Algeria—Nkoudou’s situation is different.
Benrahma’s club earned promotion to the top flight shortly after his arrival, while Nkoudou is preparing to spend a full season in the second tier.
For Brys, assembling a competitive squad for the tournament will likely involve evaluating players competing at the highest level possible. The Belgian coach has made it clear that form, fitness, and the quality of competition are key factors in his selections.
With Cameroon’s attacking line already packed with talent and growing competition for places, Nkoudou’s choice may leave him on the margins of the squad come January.
The transfer has yet to be officially confirmed, but all indications point toward an imminent deal. For Nkoudou, it is a calculated gamble: one that offers financial reward and security, but potentially at the expense of his international career during a crucial year for Cameroon.
Whether the winger can prove his worth from a less visible stage remains to be seen. For now, the path to AFCON 2025 looks increasingly uncertain.
