Metzs Alpha Toure emerges as Al-Ahlis midfield solution

Al-Ahli are negotiating with FC Metz over a permanent deal for Senegalese midfielder Alpha Toure as they seek to strengthen their midfield during the current summer transfer window.

The Saudi club are looking for a successor to Franck Kessie, whose contract expired at the end of last season. Al-Ahli chose not to renew the former Cote d’Ivoire international’s deal and have not signed a direct replacement, despite bringing in Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan and Ukraine midfielder Artem Bondarenko.

Trusted journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that Al-Ahli have now made an approach for 20-year-old Toure, who plays for French club Metz. Discussions between the two clubs are understood to be under way, with the Saudi side attempting to complete a permanent transfer.

Tavolieri announced the development in a post on his personal account on X:

🇸🇳 EXCLUSIF : Al-Ahli SC tente le coup Alpha Toure !🗣️🟤 Discussions en cours entre dirigeants saoudiens et le FC Metz pour trouver un accord sur base d’un transfert definitif.🤝 Le milieu defensif a ouvert la porte a Al-Ahli.⏳ Bientot plus de details !#mercatopic.twitter.com/MvMigZTj1Q

Toure has reportedly responded positively to the possibility of joining Al-Ahli and has left the door open to a move. Any transfer will depend on the two clubs reaching a final agreement.

The midfielder has previously been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Reports had indicated that Al-Ittihad and Al-Diriyah were interested in signing him during an earlier period, although Al-Ahli are now the club in active negotiations with Metz.

Toure’s age is likely to make him an attractive option for Saudi Arabian clubs. At 20, he would be eligible to be registered as an under-age foreign player, giving potential suitors an additional incentive to pursue the deal.

His availability is also expected to make the transfer financially manageable. Previous reports have suggested that Metz would seek between €5m and €7m for the Senegalese midfielder, rather than making excessive financial demands.

Toure joined Metz in the summer of 2024 from Generation Foot. Since arriving at the French club, he has made 53 appearances, scoring once and providing one assist.

Al-Ahli’s interest comes as the club continues to reshape its midfield following Kessie’s departure. The Saudi side have already added Spertsyan and Bondarenko, but the pursuit of Toure indicates that further reinforcement remains a priority before the summer transfer window closes.