Abdullah Radif: Al Ahli hijack move for ex-Al Hilal striker after Al Ittihad pull out

Al Ahli have sealed the signing of former Al Hilal striker Abdullah Radif on a four-year deal after city rivals Al Ittihad dramatically withdrew from an agreement over the player due to financial constraints.

The 23-year-old forward, who left Al Hilal earlier this month, had been on the verge of joining Al Ittihad on a three-year contract worth a reported 27m riyals (£5.6m), before the club stepped back citing a lack of available funds.

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Ahli moved swiftly to reach a full agreement with Radif during the current summer transfer window, tying him to the Jeddah side until 2030.

From Al Hilal prospect to Jeddah battle

Al Hilal announced on 7 July that Radif was leaving the club permanently, ending a five-year spell in the first team that included multiple loan moves.

Since being promoted to the senior side, Radif has spent time on loan at Al Taawoun, Al Shabab, Al Ettifaq and most recently Al Fayha, where he played in the second half of last season.

His planned switch to Al Ittihad was widely reported as agreed in principle, with the player set to earn 9m riyals per season over three years. But “Al Ameed” – as Al Ittihad are nicknamed – ultimately backed out when the financial package could not be finalised.

That U-turn opened the door for Al Ahli, who have been aggressively strengthening their squad ahead of the new Saudi Pro League campaign.

Role in Al Ahli’s attacking hierarchy

Radif is expected to become Al Ahli’s third-choice centre-forward, competing directly with Brazilian striker Ricardo Matias for a place in the pecking order.

Both will provide back-up and competition for England international Ivan Toney, who leads the line, and Saudi Arabia international Firas Al-Buraikan, one of the league’s standout domestic forwards.

The move gives Al Ahli additional depth in attack as they look to balance domestic ambitions with the growing competitiveness of the league, fuelled by a surge of high-profile transfers in recent seasons.

Sixth signing of a busy summer

Radif’s arrival makes him Al Ahli’s sixth signing of the current transfer window, as the club continue a broad rebuild.

He follows Gambian midfielder Aboubacar Sidi Kanteh, Portugal winger Francisco Trincao, Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan, and Saudi duo Mishaal Al-Mutairi and Naif Masoud into the squad.

The recruitment drive underlines Al Ahli’s intent to challenge the traditional dominance of Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, both domestically and potentially in continental competition.

Mixed recent form but room to grow

Radif’s most recent spell came with Al Fayha in the latter half of last season. He featured in only eight matches, failing to score but providing two assists.

Despite modest statistics, Al Ahli appear to be betting on his potential and versatility, with the player still considered one of the more promising Saudi forwards of his age group.

The move also offers Radif the opportunity for a fresh start in Jeddah after a stop-start career at Al Hilal, where regular first-team opportunities were limited amid intense competition for attacking places.

His performances in pre-season and early in the new campaign are likely to determine how quickly he can break into what is increasingly a star-studded Al Ahli attack.