Al Ahli Jeddah Inches Closer to Locking Merih Demiral's Contract Renewal
13 November 2025
Negotiations Enter the Final Stretch
Al Ahli Jeddah has moved decisively to secure Merih Demiral, the Turkish center-back, with renewal talks pressing into the final stretch. The renewal would keep him on a €12 million-per-year deal, identical to his current contract, as six of ten clauses have already been agreed and talks continue on the remaining terms.
Demiral's Impact at the Club
Since arriving from Atalanta in 2023, Demiral has made 79 appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists. He has been a cornerstone of Jaissle's defense, forming a solid partnership with Roger Ibanez and helping the team win the AFC Champions League Elite and the Saudi Super Cup.
Rising Interest and the Road Ahead
Despite links to a European return, Demiral has expressed a desire to stay at Al Ahli. The club is also pursuing extensions for other key players as they aim to preserve the spine of the squad, while several clubs, including Fenerbahce, monitor the situation for a potential winter bid.
Meanwhile, Wenderson Galeno is nearing full fitness after the international break, with medical and conditioning work in progress as the team resumes training in Jeddah.
Al Ahli are fifth in the Saudi Pro League with 16 points from four wins and four draws and are preparing for a clash with Al Qadsia in late November as part of the domestic and AFC Elite schedule. The head-to-head history against Al Qadsia favors Al Ahli, with the club winning 10 of 14 meetings.
They are scheduled to host Al Sharjah in the AFC Elite on November 24, and then face Al Qadsia again in the King Cup quarterfinal on November 28, with past meetings showing a favorable edge for Al Ahli.
Jaissle will receive a comprehensive medical report on Wenderson Galeno’s status upon the squad’s return to training, as the team aims to maintain balance and depth through a busy November calendar.
Punchline 1: If Demiral signs again, his contract will have more renewals than a superhero’s sidekick—comeback season, always.
Punchline 2: With the winter window looming, even the transfer market is checking its calendar twice—someone tell Demiral to bring a chair, the chair is staying put.
