Saudi Pro League newcomers Al-Diriyah sign Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Mathis De Carvalho

Saudi Arabian club Al-Diriyah have signed Portuguese midfielder Mathis De Carvalho from Olympique Lyonnais, with the 21-year-old agreeing a contract that runs until the summer of 2029.

Al-Diriyah did not disclose the financial details of the transfer. However, reports have suggested that the deal is worth about €1m (£850,000), with additional bonuses included.

The move brings De Carvalho to a club preparing for its first season in the Saudi Pro League after securing promotion from the second division. The midfielder will now continue his career in Saudi Arabia under Portuguese head coach Bruno Lage.

According to the Middle East newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Lage played a role in helping advance negotiations between Al-Diriyah and De Carvalho. The manager’s involvement was reported to have contributed to the club’s efforts to complete the signing of the 21-year-old.

De Carvalho developed through Olympique Lyonnais’ youth system before being given an opportunity to play for the first team by manager Paulo Fonseca.

During Fonseca’s time in charge, the midfielder made 12 appearances for Lyon in Ligue 1 and featured in eight matches in the UEFA Europa League. Those outings represented his senior experience with the French club before his move to Al-Diriyah.

The Saudi club’s decision to secure De Carvalho on a long-term contract underlines its plans for its first campaign in the country’s top flight. His agreement is set to keep him at Al-Diriyah until the end of the 2028-29 season.

De Carvalho becomes the latest player to join the promoted side as it prepares for the demands of the Saudi Pro League. The club earned its place in the competition by coming through the second division, making the upcoming campaign its first at the highest level of Saudi domestic football.

Al-Diriyah’s recruitment of a player with experience of Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League adds a midfielder who has already appeared in both domestic and European competition, despite being only 21. He made his senior breakthrough at Olympique Lyonnais after progressing through the club’s academy and playing under Fonseca.

The transfer was announced by Al-Diriyah, while the club did not provide a fee. Reports indicating a €1m fee plus bonuses remain the only published estimate of the financial terms.