Al Ahli Jeddah’s Winter Dossier: three files, one real clash of priorities

Three core files on the desk of Al Ahli Jeddah’s sporting director

Portuguese football executive Roy Pedro, the sporting director of Al Ahli Jeddah, has placed three core files on his desk ahead of the January transfer window. Since taking the post in October, Pedro’s winter window will be his first real test of leadership, strategy, and the ability to translate paperwork into points on the pitch.

According to Saudi outlets, the three priorities are clear: evaluate the medical department, map the club’s winter mercato needs, and craft contingency plans to cover anticipated absences during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco. It’s a triad that reads like a responsible diary, but in football speak it also reads like: “solve now or regret it later.”

The first file centers on a medical crisis surrounding star winger Galino. He sustained an injury ahead of the clash with Nasaf Qarshi in the Asian Champions League group stage, and has been sidelined ever since September. Doctors’ missteps in diagnosing the injury reportedly delayed his recovery, prolonging his absence from the big stages when his speed and creativity are most needed.

Reports from Al Yaum indicate the misdiagnosis angered the coaching staff under Matthias Jaissle, who could not identify the injury’s nature or a clear treatment plan. Management stepped in, and the entire first-team medical setup was dismissed, a move described as drastic but necessary to restore trust between staff and players.

Since Galino’s setback, Al Ahli’s attack has visibly faltered. The Brazilian winger was a cornerstone of Jaissle’s system, known for his ability to unlock compact defenses and churn out moments of magic. His absence has left a gap that’s not easy to fill mid-season, underscoring the urgency of the second file.

The second file involves assessing current players and laying out a concrete plan to maximize the winter mercato. Jaissle reportedly pressed Pedro for improved attacking options, using data-driven observations to argue for new forward additions during the January window. The club’s recruitment approach will be tested as they navigate a limited foreign roster and the constraints of the squad list.

Saudi press notes that Jaissle held a lengthy meeting with Pedro to discuss the team’s offensive effectiveness, citing gaps in goal threat and finishing. The manager’s frustration, backed by analytical evidence from his coaching staff, has pushed the club to consider reinforcements that can deliver immediate impact in the second half of the season.

The winter mercato is scheduled to run from January 5 to February 2. For Al Ahli, the challenge is not only finding players who fit the system but also managing an already crowded foreign roster. The club currently lists 11 foreign players, eight of whom are over the age limit, making departures or name removals from the local list a delicate operation.

Among the foreign seniors are the Senegalese goalkeeper Edward Mendy, Turkish defender Merih Demiral, Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez, Ivoriian midfielder Frank Kessie, Frenchman Enzo Milot, and the attacking trio of Riyad Mahrez, Galino, and Ivan Tony. In the under-23 bracket, the squad features Valentin Atangana, Matheus Gonsalves, and Matthieu Dams, offering a blend of experience and youth.

The AFCON dilemma
The third file centers on the absence of three key players during December and January due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments. The Senegalese goalkeeper Edward Mendy is among the leaders of the team’s campaign and will be unavailable for crucial league fixtures. Abdulrahman Al Sanabi is considered a prime candidate to fill in, though his recent lack of match continuity raises questions about readiness and risk. Ivory Coast’s Frank Kessie will also miss games, prompting Jaissle to potentially rely on Valentin Atangana, Enzo Milot, and Ziad Al Jehani to shoulder the midfield load.

When Riyad Mahrez leaves the green pitch for the Algerian national team, the attack will feel lighter, and the manager has to adjust his winger options accordingly. Saleh Abu Shamat and Matheus Gonsalves could be asked to contribute more on the right, provided Jallino’s fitness returns to full strength and the team can rely on youth to step up as a bridge to stability.

With these three files, Pedro aims to establish a more balanced and resilient system—one that aligns player readiness, administrative discipline, and preplanned continuity to weather the upcoming absences while keeping Al Ahli competitive. The club remains buoyed by last season’s Elite AFC Champions League triumph and hopes to build on that success this season.

Punchline 1: If injuries are glitches, Al Ahli’s patch notes read like a mini software update—titular, urgent, and requiring a reboot with a little humor to avoid a full crash test.

Punchline 2: In football transfers, patience might be a virtue, but Al Ahli’s shopping cart is running on fast-forward—queue the sport’s version of express checkout, please.