Al-Ahli Saudi has experienced a challenging start to its current season, recording three defeats across six rounds of play. The club's performance has drawn scrutiny regarding its transfer policy, leading to significant backlash from fans and commentators. This early season struggle marks a period of underperformance for the Saudi Arabian club, prompting concerns about its strategic direction and player management. The club's recent results, including three losses in just six league matches, have intensified the spotlight on its decision-making processes, particularly concerning player acquisitions and departures.
Disappointing Season Results
Al-Ahli Saudi's overall team performance has been described as "pale" (باهت), indicating a perceived lack of harmony between the squad and coach Marino Pušić. This assessment suggests that the team is failing to perform at the expected level, with players struggling to integrate effectively under the current coaching philosophy. Despite recent struggles, the club secured a 3-1 victory against Al-Hazm in their most recent fixture, offering a momentary reprieve from the ongoing criticism. This win came amidst ongoing scrutiny of the team's form and overall cohesion. The report detailing these observations was published on September 12, 2026, noting the contemporary nature of the performance concerns and the immediate pressure on the club. The season's early results, characterized by inconsistency and a perceived lack of strategic direction, have raised questions among fans and commentators regarding the effectiveness of the club's strategy and player integration under Pušić's leadership, particularly in light of the significant investments made in the squad.
Criticism Over Player Departures
Media personality and analyst Bandar Ibrahim Jarallah Al-Nakhli has publicly criticized Al-Ahli Saudi's decision to release key players Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessié. Al-Nakhli specifically stated that Francisco Trincão, brought in as a replacement, has not adequately compensated for the value Mahrez brought to the team, suggesting a significant gap in performance and impact. Riyad Mahrez is currently without a team after Al-Ahli Saudi did not activate the fourth year of his contract, a decision that has been met with considerable consternation given his past contributions.
During his tenure with Al-Ahli, Mahrez played a total of 122 matches, demonstrating his consistent presence and importance to the squad. In these appearances, he was a prolific contributor, scoring 37 goals and providing an impressive 50 assists, noting his dual threat as both a scorer and a playmaker. Mahrez was a part of the Al-Ahli team that achieved significant success, winning the prestigious AFC Champions League with the club, an accomplishment that shows his pedigree and impact. Despite his departure from Al-Ahli Saudi, Mahrez prefers to remain in the Arab region and continue his professional career within the Saudi league, indicating his strong ties to the region's football landscape. The club's decision not to retain such a key player has fueled much of the current debate surrounding their transfer policy.
Management and Sporting Director Exit
Sporting Director Rui Pedro departed from his role at Al-Ahli Saudi, with his exit attributed to what was described as the "critical mercato." This personnel change comes amidst growing scrutiny over the club's transfer policies and its performance in the current season, suggesting a direct link between the transfer window activities and the internal leadership changes. Pedro's departure notes internal pressures following decisions made during the transfer window, which have drawn significant criticism from media personalities and fans alike. The term "critical mercato" itself implies a period of intense and perhaps problematic transfer activities, characterized by controversial decisions regarding player acquisitions and sales, that ultimately led to the sporting director's exit from the Saudi club. The club has faced persistent questions regarding its strategy in player acquisitions and releases, particularly concerning the perceived lack of adequate replacements for key players who departed, contributing to the team's current struggles on the pitch. This leadership change signals a turbulent period within the club's management as it grapples with the fallout from its transfer strategy and seeks to address the performance issues plaguing the team.
