Diriyah sign former Al Ittihad and Al Nassr goalkeeper Amin Al-Bukhari on free transfer

Newly promoted Diriyah have signed former Al Ittihad and Al Nassr goalkeeper Amin Al-Bukhari on a free transfer as they continue to strengthen ahead of their first-ever season in the Saudi Pro League.

The club, who have just gone up to the Roshn Saudi League, confirmed the deal on their official X account, announcing that the 29-year-old joins after leaving Al Fateh at the end of his contract.

Al-Bukhari, a Saudi national team goalkeeper in recent years, arrives as a free agent following the expiry of his deal with the Al Ahsa-based side, where he had been playing in the top flight.

The move comes after Diriyah turned to Al-Bukhari having failed in their attempts to recruit fellow Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais, who instead completed a move to Al Hilal.

Fourth summer recruit for new top-flight side

Al-Bukhari becomes Diriyah’s fourth signing of the current summer transfer window as the club reshape their squad for life in the top division.

He follows defender Saeed Al-Rubaie, who has joined from Al Okhdood, winger Hattan Bahebri, signed from Al Kholood, and Senegalese midfielder Clayton Diandy, recruited from Greek side Aris Thessaloniki.

Diriyah, based in the historic town on the outskirts of Riyadh, are preparing for their debut campaign at the highest level after securing promotion from the second tier last season.

Seventh Saudi club for experienced keeper

Diriyah are the seventh Saudi club of Al-Bukhari’s career in the domestic league, underlining his experience across the country’s professional divisions.

He has previously represented Al Ittihad, Al Ain, Al Ettifaq, Damac and Al Fateh, as well as spending a five-year spell on the books of Al Nassr between 2020 and 2025.

During that time he built a reputation as a reliable option in goal, moving between clubs in search of playing time and experience in different tactical setups and competitive environments.

Historic campaign ahead for Diriyah

Diriyah will compete in the Roshn Saudi League for the first time in their history after winning promotion through the play-offs from the First Division’s Yelo League.

They sealed their place in the top flight by defeating Al-Ula in the final of the promotion play-off, securing a milestone achievement for the club.

With promotion now confirmed and a first season among the country’s elite looming, Diriyah have moved quickly in the market to reinforce key positions, with the capture of Al-Bukhari adding top-flight nous to their goalkeeping department as they prepare for a historic campaign.