Saudi Al-Ahli Target Club Brugge’s Rising Moroccan Talent
Al-Ahli Eye Move for Moroccan Talent Chemsdine Talbi
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are weighing up a summer move for Chamsedine Talbi, the highly rated Moroccan forward currently playing for Club Brugge in Belgium, according to a report from Asharq Al-Awsat.
The 19-year-old winger has reportedly caught the eye of Al-Ahli head coach Matthias Jaissle, who is said to be impressed by the player’s technical quality and maturity at such a young age. Sources close to the deal suggest Talbi was introduced to the club by intermediaries and has since received a positive assessment from Al-Ahli’s recruitment team.
A Rising Star from Belgium
Born on 9 May 2005, Talbi enjoyed a breakout 2024/25 campaign with Club Brugge’s first team. He made 27 league appearances, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists, while also featuring prominently in the UEFA Champions League, where he played 11 matches, netted 2 goals, and recorded 1 assist.
Al-Ahli’s interest in Talbi is also driven by new Saudi Football Federation regulations, which now allow clubs to register “foreign-born” players born in 2004 or later. Talbi, born in 2005, would therefore fit neatly into this revised category, providing Al-Ahli with roster flexibility while acquiring one of North Africa’s most promising young attackers.
The regulations still permit players born in 2003 to remain registered if they were already part of a club’s squad last season, but new signings must meet the updated age threshold.
Strategic Fit for Al-Ahli’s Vision
Al-Ahli, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), are looking to strengthen key areas of the squad ahead of the new season and are prioritising youthful, high-upside profiles who can be developed into long-term assets. Talbi’s European experience, combined with his eligibility under the new player registration rules, makes him a compelling option.
While no official bid has yet been confirmed, the club is expected to continue monitoring Talbi’s situation closely in the coming weeks as the summer transfer window approaches.
If Al-Ahli can finalise a deal, Talbi would join a growing list of young international prospects choosing Saudi Arabia as a platform for development and first-team exposure.