Idrissa Gana Gueye begins new Saudi chapter with Al Diriyah

Idrissa Gana Gueye has joined Saudi Arabian club Al Diriyah after leaving Everton at the end of his contract, giving the 36-year-old Senegal midfielder a new challenge in the Saudi Arabian championship.

The move was confirmed on Al Diriyah’s official Instagram account. Gueye has signed a one-year deal, with the club holding an option to extend the agreement for a further season.

The transfer brings to an end his latest spell with Everton and allows the Senegal international to take his considerable experience to a team with ambitions in Saudi Arabia. He will now be expected to contribute both on the pitch and through the leadership gained during a career at the highest level.

Gueye has represented Senegal 135 times and has scored seven goals for the Lions of Teranga. He was part of the Senegal side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, and remains one of the country’s most experienced current players.

His career has included substantial experience in both the Premier League and Ligue 1, as well as at international level. That background is expected to make him an important addition for Al Diriyah as the club prepares for its opening league fixture.

According to Transfermarkt, Gueye’s current market value is estimated at 500,000 euros. The midfielder’s move follows his time with Everton, where he was reported to have earned an annual salary of 4,686,882 euros, equivalent to 3,046,473,300 FCFA.

Al Diriyah’s first match of the Saudi Arabian championship is scheduled to be against Al Ahli. The fixture will provide Gueye with an early opportunity to begin his new chapter and to make his first contribution to his latest club.

The betting company 1xbet has listed Al Diriyah at odds of 12.00 to win the match. A draw is priced at 6.00, while Al Ahli are rated as strong favourites at 1.15.

Gueye’s arrival gives Al Diriyah a player with experience of top-flight football in Europe and major international competition. His 135 appearances for Senegal, combined with his spells in the Premier League and Ligue 1, represent the profile of a senior signing for the Saudi Arabian club.

At 36, the Senegal midfielder is moving into a different stage of his career, but his new contract gives him the opportunity to continue playing while bringing his knowledge and experience to Al Diriyah. The agreement initially runs for one season, with the possibility of extending it by another year.