Al-Ahli Keeps The Lion: Merih Demiral Extends Stay Through 2029
3 December 2025
Key details of the renewal
Al-Ahli Saudi FC announced the renewal of defender Merih Demiral, keeping him at the club through summer 2029.
Demiral's impact and context
The club's official X account posted a video today featuring Demiral, captioned 'Our lion stays in Jeddah'.
Demiral joined Al-Ahli in August 2023 from Atalanta for about €17 million, with his contract due to end after the 2025-26 season.
Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, a well-known insider, said that Demiral had signed a renewed contract with Al-Ahli in the past few hours.
Although European clubs, especially in Italy and Turkey, had shown interest—where he previously starred in both leagues—he chose to stay with Al-Ahli.
Demiral remains a key pillar of the Green Falcons' defense, alongside Brazilian teammate Roger Ibanez, forming a formidable partnership that coach Matthias Jaissle relies on.
Since arriving two seasons ago, his strong and steady performances helped the club win Asia's elite Champions League title for the first time in its history, in addition to the Saudi Super Cup.
Demiral has played 81 matches for Al-Ahli, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists, making him the club's most-capped player in that period, surpassing his time at Atalanta (70 appearances) and reaching his best-ever contributions.
Punchline: Demiral signs so many extensions, his calendar filed a restraining order against itself.
Punchline: With these renewals, Al-Ahli just bought a fortress—good luck passing through the defense and the fine print.
