Brazilian Transfer Tug-of-War Threatens Al Ahli Jeddah's Starlet Matheus Goncalves
2 octobre 2025
Transfer Tension for Al Ahli Jeddah
Al Ahli Jeddah, the Saudi club, faces a crisis around its Brazilian prospect Matheus Goncalves, who joined as an under-23 foreign player last summer. The dispute centers on the payment terms of his transfer from Flamengo and a potential recall if the deal is not honored.
According to Bolavip, Flamengo asserts that Al Ahli owe 8 million euros, payable in three annual installments beginning in 2025. The first instalment, due on September 30, has not been paid, triggering concerns about the deal’s stability.
The report adds that Flamengo could request Goncalves back if the payment remains unsettled by October 4, as the contract reportedly includes a recall clause allowing the Brazilian club to reclaim the player for late payments.
Player Profile and Career Prospects
Matheus Goncalves is 20 years old, born in Rio de Janeiro, and primarily operates as a right winger while also covering the left wing and playmaking roles. He signed his first Flamengo contract in August 2021 and rose through the ranks to the senior squad in January 2023, after a half-season loan at Bragantino.
The Guardian highlighted him as one of the world’s top 60 talents in September 2022, a nod that preceded his formal integration into Flamengo’s first team. He contributed during a season on loan and then returned to Flamengo’s setup, with a role in youth and senior competitions that supported his development.
Over time, he accumulated appearances for Flamengo’s youth and senior teams, contributing to youth successes and a growing resume that included domestic cup wins and regional trophies, showcasing potential that Al Ahli hoped to harness in the long term.
Current Status and October Fixtures
Jaissle has given Goncalves minutes in several games this season, accumulating around 295 minutes, with one goal and one assist noted. The situation in Jeddah is delicate, as speculation links the club to potential interest from Chelsea in another academy product, Ivan Toni, which could influence market dynamics.
Al Ahli sit seventh in the Saudi Pro League with eight points and are entering a packed October schedule. The fixtures include a clash with Al Shabab on October 17, a contest against a top rival on October 23 in the Asian elite competition, and a league match against Riyadh on October 30.
On the continental front, Al Ahli are set to host Al Gharafa of Qatar on October 20 in the AFC Champions League Elite. Flamengo, meanwhile, hold four points in their group after a win over Nasaf and a draw with Duhail, although the landscape could change if Goncalves’ future becomes uncertain.
Fan Backlash
The row has sparked significant discontent among Al Ahli supporters, with critics blaming the German coach for recent results and calling for changes as the club defends its Asian ambitions. The club’s leadership now faces pressure to resolve the payment dispute and stabilize the team’s path toward silverware.
In short, the financial snag could force a crucial decision for Al Ahli, impacting both the player’s future and the club’s strategic plans for a run at domestic and continental glory.
Punchline time: If money talks, this deal is clearly speaking fluent ambiguity. And if the recall clause has a voice, it sounds suspiciously like a Brazilian samba—sneaking back onto the pitch when you least expect it. Also, remember: in football, a cheque today can turn into a championship tomorrow, but only if the bank doesn’t decide to redirect your funds to a sandcastle in the desert. Sniper’s lesson: verify the contract like you verify your WiFi password—twice, and with a smile on your face.
