Senegalese forward Habib Diallo could be on his way to Al-Jeddah this summer, with talks progressing over a loan deal from Al-Shabab. Negotiations between the two Saudi Pro League clubs are underway, though the final outcome hinges on financial details and the player’s approval.
Al-Shabab, Diallo’s parent club, is prepared to sanction the move if Al-Jeddah agree to cover the entirety of the striker’s wages during the loan spell. Club officials have signalled their willingness to let the 29-year-old leave, but only under conditions that protect their financial commitments. Diallo himself must also consent to the arrangement, which remains the final piece of the puzzle before any agreement can be finalised.
Diallo joined Al-Shabab in 2023 following a high-profile switch from French side Strasbourg, where he had built a reputation as a reliable goalscorer in Ligue 1.
His time in Saudi Arabia, however, has not yet matched the same level of consistency. In his debut season with Al-Shabab, the striker made 33 appearances across all competitions, contributing five goals and four assists.
Last season, he was sent out on loan to Damac, another Saudi top-flight side, in search of more playing time and confidence in front of goal. At Damac, Diallo’s output improved modestly, registering seven goals and three assists in 28 outings.
While the numbers did not mirror his prolific form in France, they were enough to spark renewed interest from other Saudi clubs, with Al-Jeddah now leading the race for his signature.
For Al-Jeddah, the pursuit of Diallo represents a strategic attempt to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign. The club’s hierarchy has identified the Senegalese forward’s physicality, aerial strength and proven experience as qualities that could add significant value to their frontline.
Their offer for a season-long loan comes at a crucial stage in the summer transfer window, as they seek reinforcements capable of making an immediate impact.
From Diallo’s perspective, the potential move offers both challenges and opportunities. A switch to Al-Jeddah would allow him to reset his trajectory within Saudi football, where he is still searching for the consistency that defined his years in European competition.
At Strasbourg, Diallo was regarded as a central figure, scoring 20 league goals during the 2022–23 season before his departure. Reproducing such form in Saudi Arabia has proven difficult, but a new environment could provide the platform he needs to reignite his career.
The final decision now rests on two factors: the resolution of financial negotiations between Al-Shabab and Al-Jeddah, and Diallo’s willingness to accept the terms of the proposed move. Both clubs remain optimistic that an agreement will be struck in the coming days, though discussions are still ongoing.
Should the deal go through, Diallo would join Al-Jeddah on a temporary basis with the chance to rediscover his goalscoring touch and re-establish himself as a key figure in the Saudi Pro League. For Al-Shabab, the arrangement would ease wage commitments while offering the player a fresh stage to prove his worth.
At present, all eyes remain on the Senegalese international, whose decision will determine whether this loan move becomes one of the late twists in the summer transfer window.
