Diriyah beat Al Ahli to signing of former Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye on free transfer

Newly promoted Diriyah have reached an agreement to sign former Everton and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye, beating Al Ahli to the signature of the Senegal international, according to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah.

The Riyadh-based club, who will play in the Saudi Pro League (Roshn Saudi League) for the first time next season, have agreed a one-year deal with Gueye. The move will be a free transfer after the 38-year-old’s contract with Everton expired at the end of last season.

Gueye had been on Al Ahli’s shortlist this summer as the Jeddah club looked at options to strengthen central midfield. He was viewed as a potential replacement if French midfielder Enzo Millot leaves, with Millot no longer part of the plans of German head coach Matthias Jaissle.

With Gueye opting for Diriyah, Al Ahli are now expected to focus their efforts on signing French midfielder Manu Kone from Roma. Kone remains their leading target in central midfield should Millot depart.

Diriyah move ends long European spell

Gueye’s switch to Diriyah brings to a close a lengthy career in European football that began in France with Lille. The midfielder was promoted to Lille’s first team in 2010 and remained there for five years, establishing himself in Ligue 1.

In 2015 he moved to the Premier League to join Aston Villa, spending a single season with the Birmingham club. He then made the switch to Everton, where he became a key figure in midfield over a three-year spell at Goodison Park.

His performances on Merseyside earned him a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, in what proved to be the most high-profile chapter of his club career. Gueye spent three seasons in the French capital before returning to Everton in 2022.

Recent form for Everton and Senegal

Last season, Gueye made 25 appearances for Everton in all competitions. He scored two goals and provided three assists during the campaign as the club once again battled in the lower half of the Premier League table.

On the international stage, the midfielder featured in all four of Senegal’s matches at the 2026 World Cup. He did not score or assist in the tournament but remained a regular selection for his national team throughout the competition.

Gueye’s arrival adds significant top-level experience to Diriyah’s squad as they prepare for their first campaign in the Roshn Saudi League. The club will hope his background in the Premier League, Ligue 1 and the Champions League can help them adapt quickly to life in Saudi Arabia’s top flight.