Al Ahli complete Artem Bondarenko signing as seventh summer transfer amid fan anger

Al Ahli have completed the signing of Ukrainian midfielder Artem Bondarenko, making him the seventh addition to the Saudi club’s squad during the current summer transfer window.

The Jeddah-based club confirmed the move through a video published on its official account on X, formally announcing Bondarenko’s arrival.

The 26-year-old is reported to have joined from his previous club for a fee of six million euros, with a further one million euros potentially payable in add-ons. He is also understood to have agreed an annual salary of two million euros.

Bondarenko’s transfer has prompted considerable anger among sections of the Al Ahli support. Many fans had hoped the club would bring in a more established or higher-profile midfielder, particularly after the departure of Ivory Coast international Franck Kessie at the end of last season.

The signing was nevertheless pursued insistently by Al Ahli head coach Marino Pusic. The Dutchman reportedly wanted the transfer completed after recalling the reaction to the club’s decision to sign French midfielder Valentin Atangana Edoa. Supporters had also been unhappy with that move, but Atangana Edoa subsequently demonstrated his ability and justified the club’s decision.

Bondarenko is the latest in a series of summer arrivals at Al Ahli. The club’s other new signings are Portuguese player Francisco Trincao, Armenia international Eduard Spertsyan, Gambian Abubakar Sidi Kinteh, Nayef Masoud, Meshal Al-Mutairi and Abdullah Radif.

His first opportunity to play for Al Ahli could come on Saturday, when the team host Abha at Alinma Stadium. The fixture is part of the second round of the Saudi Pro League, also known as the Roshn Saudi League.

The move adds another midfield option for Pusic as Al Ahli begin their league campaign with expectations heightened by the club’s activity in the transfer market. However, Bondarenko’s arrival comes at a sensitive moment for the club, with supporters having made clear that they wanted a more prominent replacement following Kessie’s exit.

Al Ahli’s public confirmation of the deal followed the publication of the club’s announcement video on social media. The Ukrainian midfielder is now in line to make his debut in front of the home support against Abha, although the final decision on his involvement will rest with Pusic.

For Al Ahli, the signing represents the latest step in reshaping the squad during the summer. For Bondarenko, Saturday’s match could provide the first chance to begin answering the doubts surrounding a transfer that has already generated a strong reaction from the club’s supporters.