Al Ahli sign Al Hilal striker Abdullah Radif to end his run of loan spells

Al Ahli have completed the signing of Al Hilal striker Abdullah Radif, bringing one of Saudi Arabia’s most frequently loaned players into their squad as they seek to strengthen their attacking options.

The Saudi club confirmed the deal on Saturday, with Radif beginning a new chapter of his career in the colours of the Asian champions. He will wear the number 21 shirt at Al Ahli.

Radif came through Al Hilal’s academy and progressed through the club’s youth system before being given his first-team opportunity in 2021. However, he has spent much of the period since then away from his parent club, gaining experience through a series of loan moves to other Roshn Saudi League sides.

His first loan spell took him to Al Taawoun, where he made 15 appearances and scored twice. Radif then joined Al Shabab, playing 20 matches and finding the net three times.

The forward moved on to Al Ettifaq for another temporary spell. He scored three goals in 28 appearances before completing his most recent loan move to Al Fayha.

His time with Al Fayha produced eight appearances, but he did not score or provide an assist during that spell.

Those statistics underline a career in which Radif has yet to establish himself at one club for a sustained period. The 23-year-old has continued to search for the consistency and regular opportunity required to demonstrate his attacking ability, and Al Ahli now represents his chance to secure that platform.

The signing comes as Al Ahli look to expand the options available in attack. The club’s ambitions have increased after winning the AFC Champions League Elite in the past two editions, and Radif will hope his move can help him make the transition from a regular loanee to an established first-team player.

Al Ahli formally introduced their new forward following the agreement, giving him the number 21 jersey as he prepares to represent one of Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs at both domestic and continental level.

For Radif, the move also offers an opportunity to change the direction of his career. His previous loan spells brought varying levels of involvement and output, but his new club will expect him to compete for a more consistent role as it pursues its targets in the Roshn Saudi League and on the Asian stage.

Whether he can turn that opportunity into a settled place in the side will now be the central challenge. After developing at Al Hilal and spending the past seasons moving between Al Taawoun, Al Shabab, Al Ettifaq and Al Fayha, Radif has finally left the cycle of temporary transfers for a fresh start at Al Ahli.

Related: Barcelona have reached an agreement with Al Hilal regarding Joao Cancelo.