Malian international Aliou Dieng has joined Al Kholood on a season-long loan from Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The 26-year-old midfielder, known for his tenacity and skill in the heart of the pitch, moves to the Saudi Pro League for the 2024/25 season in a deal reportedly worth €500,000.
Dieng, who was trained at Djoliba AC in Mali, has been a crucial part of Al Ahly’s success since his arrival in 2019.
Over his four-year tenure with the Cairo-based club, he has made 213 appearances and helped secure an impressive 15 major titles, including multiple CAF Champions League trophies.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he now prepares to embark on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.
Al Kholood, a recently promoted team to the Saudi Pro League, will be hoping Dieng’s experience and winning mentality can help solidify their position in the top tier of Saudi football.
The club’s decision to bring in a player of Dieng’s caliber reflects their ambitions to compete at the highest level.
Dieng’s time at Al Ahly has been marked by consistent performances and a trophy-laden career.
Among his achievements are two Egyptian Premier League titles (2020, 2023), four CAF Champions League titles (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024), two Egyptian Cups (2020, 2022), and two Egyptian Super Cups (2022, 2023).
In addition, Dieng played a pivotal role in Al Ahly’s FIFA Club World Cup campaigns, where the club finished third in both 2020 and 2021.
His move to Al Kholood signals the beginning of a new challenge in his career, one that will take him far from the African footballing landscape where he has enjoyed so much success.
For Al Kholood, the acquisition of Dieng is a statement of intent as they seek to establish themselves in the Saudi Pro League.
Dieng’s versatility as a midfielder, combined with his defensive solidity and ability to contribute to attacks, makes him a valuable asset to his new team.
Al Kholood will be banking on his vast experience and winning mentality to navigate the challenges of their inaugural season in the Saudi top flight.
As Dieng prepares to join his new teammates, both he and Al Kholood will be eager to see how his experience in African football translates to success in the Middle East.
The move to Saudi Arabia presents a fresh opportunity for Dieng to showcase his talents on a different stage, and his presence is expected to have a significant impact on Al Kholood’s fortunes in the upcoming season.
Aliou Dieng’s departure from Al Ahly marks the end of a highly successful chapter in his career, but it also opens the door to new possibilities in Saudi football.
As he begins this new adventure, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the Malian star adapts to his new environment and whether he can continue to add to his already impressive list of achievements.