Al Ahly duo set to complete Saudi Arabia switch

Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Kholood is reportedly close to sealing the signing of Al Ahly duo Aliou Dieng and Mahmoud Kahraba this summer.

Al-Kholood earned promotion to the Saudi Pro League first the first time in the club’s history after finishing third in the First Divison last season and they want to reinforce their squad ahead of a historic season.

Coached by former Burkina Faso and Gabon boss Paulo Duarte, the club has already made a couple of signings, most notably Ittihad Jeddah’s Brazilian keeper Marcelo Grohe and Al-Hilal’s defender Mohammed Jahfali.

The next names on their shortlist seem to be Al Ahly’s duo Aliou Dieng and Mahmoud Kahraba after failing to break into the Reds’ starting XI this season.

Dieng is said to be just inches away from joining the Saudi club on a season-long loan with an option to buy which will make him the club’s fifth summer signing.

The Malian midfielder joined Al Ahly in 2019 from MC Algiers, making over 200 appearances for the club; however, this season he started just 12 times after losing his spot to Marwan Ateya due to injuries.

Meanwhile, Al-Kholood’s chairman Mohamed Al-Khalifa has also revealed that his side has begun negotiations with Mahmoud Kahraba over a potential summer move.

Kahraba has found limited playtime after the arrival of Wessam Abou Ali at Al Ahly; however, he is still the Reds’ top scorer this season with 12 goals in 29 games across all competitions.

The forward is no stranger to Saudi Arabia, having played for Ittihad Jeddah between 2016 and 2018 after joining the club on loan from Zamalek.