Pape Cabral’s Monaco future uncertain as Al Ahli discuss €10m deal

AS Monaco could sanction the unexpected departure of teenage midfielder Pape Cabral, with the France Under-? international reportedly in advanced talks over a move to Al Ahli of the Saudi Pro League.

The proposed transfer is understood to be worth about 10m euros, according to L’Equipe. It would represent a striking change in direction for Cabral, who has only recently committed his long-term future to Monaco by signing a contract extension running until June 2031.

The deal could develop quickly because of the different transfer-calendar arrangements in Saudi Arabia. While the transfer window has already closed in a number of European leagues, Saudi Pro League clubs still have time to complete business.

That could give Monaco and Al Ahli an opportunity to reach an agreement for the 19-year-old, despite his newly extended contract at the Ligue 1 club.

Cabral’s departure is not being completely ruled out by Monaco’s hierarchy. Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, the club’s chief executive Thiago Scuro indicated that players other than Lamine Camara and Folarin Balogun could still leave during the closing stages of the transfer window.

Camara and Balogun had been among the main names linked with possible moves, but Cabral now appears to be another player whose future is subject to uncertainty.

The midfielder’s omission from Monaco’s squad for Sunday’s match against Olympique de Marseille has also added to speculation over a possible transfer. Monaco won that game 2-0, although Cabral was not involved.

According to Transfermarkt, Cabral’s current market value is estimated at 1.2m euros. A sale for close to 10m euros would therefore provide Monaco with a significant financial return, particularly given that the player has only just agreed a new deal with the club.

Cabral is now facing an uncertain period at a time when Monaco are preparing for their next Ligue 1 fixture. The club’s third match of the French championship will be against PSG.

Betting company 1xbet lists Monaco at 6.60 to win that match, with a draw priced at 5.20 and a PSG victory at 1.36. Those odds make PSG the clear favourites, while Monaco’s preparations will take place against the backdrop of continuing transfer speculation around Cabral and other members of the squad.