Al Ahli winger Yassin Al-Zubaidi asks to leave after playing just 27 minutes all season

Yassin Al-Zubaidi has asked to leave Al Ahli during the current summer transfer window after a hugely frustrating season in which he played only 27 minutes of first-team football.

According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, First Division side Al-Kholood have formally approached Al Ahli to sign the 23-year-old on loan until the end of next season.

The report adds that Al-Zubaidi is keen to depart “Al-Raqi” in search of more regular game time, having failed to establish himself in the first-team setup.

Limited chances at Al Ahli

Al-Zubaidi was promoted to Al Ahli’s senior squad in 2023 but was unable to secure a consistent role before being sent out on loan to Al-Okhdood.

He joined Al-Okhdood for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on a temporary deal, and that loan arrangement also covered the 2024-25 season.

The winger returned to Al Ahli last season but remained on the periphery of the squad, making only four substitute appearances across all competitions, totalling just 27 minutes on the pitch.

That lack of involvement has prompted his desire to move on, with the player understood to be prioritising a club where he can feature more regularly in the upcoming campaign.

Position and playing style

Al-Zubaidi’s primary position is on the right wing, where he is most frequently deployed, although he is also capable of operating on the left flank when required.

Despite his versatility in the wide areas, competition for places at Al Ahli has limited his opportunities to build rhythm or make a sustained impact at first-team level.

Al-Kholood’s rising profile

Al-Kholood’s interest comes after a standout year for the club in Saudi football.

They were one of the surprise packages of last season, reaching the final of the King’s Cup (King’s Cup of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques), where they were eventually beaten by Al Hilal.

Their progress to the showpiece match has raised the club’s profile and made it a more attractive destination for emerging players seeking playing time at a competitive level.

Al Ahli have yet to publicly comment on Al-Kholood’s loan request or on Al-Zubaidi’s future, but the player’s stance is clear as he looks to revive his career after a season defined by just 27 minutes on the field.