Diriyah bid for Al Ittihad’s Ahmed Al-Ghamdi met with player resistance over terms

Newly promoted Diriyah have made a formal move to sign Al Ittihad midfielder Ahmed Al-Ghamdi this summer, but the player is reluctant to leave the Jeddah club and has responded with demanding personal terms.

Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reports that Diriyah, who will compete in the Saudi Pro League (Roshn Saudi League) for the first time next season, have submitted an official offer to Al Ittihad for the 24-year-old during the current transfer window.

Al-Ghamdi, however, is said to be opposed to the idea of departing Al Ittihad at this stage, as he wants to continue his spell with the club rather than embark on a new challenge.

Conditional openness to Diriyah move

Despite his preference to stay, Al-Ghamdi has not completely ruled out a switch to Diriyah. According to the report, he has indicated that he would only consider the move under what are described as complex conditions.

Those conditions include securing a salary significantly higher than his current earnings at Al Ittihad, as well as agreeing a long-term contract with Diriyah.

The stance leaves Diriyah facing a difficult negotiation if they are to convince both Al Ittihad and the player to complete the transfer before the end of the summer window.

Contract situation gives Al-Ghamdi leverage

Al-Ghamdi’s contract with Al Ittihad is due to expire at the end of next season, a factor that could heavily influence the outcome of talks over his future.

If no new deal is agreed in the coming months, the midfielder would be free to leave Al Ittihad without a transfer fee in the following summer window. That possibility gives Al-Ghamdi a stronger hand in discussions over improved terms, whether he stays in Jeddah or moves elsewhere.

Impressive return after loan spell

The Saudi player rejoined Al Ittihad in the summer of last year after completing a loan spell at Neom.

On his return, he delivered a solid campaign under Portuguese head coach Sergio Conceicao, featuring regularly across competitions. Al-Ghamdi made 34 appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists, underlining his value as a versatile attacking option in Conceicao’s squad.

Al-Ghamdi is capable of playing on both the left and right wings, as well as operating in the central playmaker role, making him an attractive target for a club like Diriyah looking to strengthen their squad for a debut season in the Roshn Saudi League.

For now, though, the player’s priority remains to continue with Al Ittihad, unless Diriyah or any other suitor are prepared to meet the financial and contractual conditions he has set for a potential move.