Franck Kessie return discussed as Al-Ahli players seek midfield solution

Several Al-Ahli players have urged the club’s management to strengthen the centre of midfield during the current transfer window, with a possible return for Franck Kessie among the options raised.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, a group of players met Al-Ahli sporting director Rui Pedro to express their concerns about the position before the start of the new season.

During the meeting, the players reportedly asked the club to sign a new foreign midfielder capable of operating in the holding role. They believe the team needs greater balance and physical strength in the centre of the pitch, particularly after the changes made to the squad in recent weeks.

The players also suggested that the club consider bringing Kessie back to Al-Ahli. The Ivory Coast international is familiar with the club and previously produced a number of strong performances in an Al-Ahli shirt.

Their request comes as Al-Ahli continue to assess the make-up of their final squad for the new campaign. The club have seen several key players leave in recent weeks, increasing uncertainty over the team’s shape and depth ahead of the season.

The squad’s concerns have therefore focused on the need for a midfielder who can provide additional control and stability. The players believe that strengthening the position would give the team greater power and balance as preparations continue.

Rui Pedro is expected to take the players’ views into consideration as the club decide how to respond in the remaining period of the transfer window. Al-Ahli’s management must now determine whether to pursue a new foreign player for the holding position or explore the possibility of re-signing Kessie.

No final decision has yet been announced, but the midfield issue is expected to remain under discussion as the club finalise its plans for the new season.

Kessie has been presented by the players as a particularly familiar solution because he already knows the club’s environment and has previously shown his quality while representing Al-Ahli. A new signing, however, would give the management the opportunity to identify a different profile to meet the team’s needs after the recent changes to the squad.

The choice will be made against the backdrop of continued anticipation over Al-Ahli’s final squad list. The club’s decision on the midfield position could come either through the arrival of a new foreign player or through efforts to bring Kessie back.