Derby Dilemma: Will Merih Demiral Return for Al Ahli in the Jeddah Showdown?
5 November 2025
Turkish defender Merih Demiral is set to feature for Al Ahli in the Jeddah derby against arch rivals Al Ittihad. The match will take place on Saturday at the Al Enma Stadium, in the eighth round of the Saudi Pro League.
Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah reported that Demiral will participate as normal in the derby, after sitting out the previous match against Al Sadd, which Al Ahli won 2-1.
The report noted that the defender had been sidelined on Tuesday in the AFC Champions League Elite stage due to fever.
Coach Matthias Jaissle kept Demiral on the bench against Al Sadd to ensure he would be ready for the derby, and he ended up starting as expected.
A Strong Addition
Demiral has emerged as one of the standout defensive players for Al Ahli and in the Saudi League. Since joining from Atalanta, his solid performances have helped anchor the team’s rearguard and made him a key component of the coach’s plans, balancing solid defense with effective ball progression from the back.
The partnership with Brazilian Rogier Ibanez has become a model of defensive discipline combined with offensive contributions, and Demiral’s physicality, aggressiveness in tackles, and aerial prowess have added a new dimension to the team’s set-pieces this season.
He has shown clear leadership on the pitch, frequently directing teammates and acting as a pivotal link in initiating attacks from the back, thanks to his precise passes. He also poses a threat on dead-ball situations, with headers adding to Al Ahli’s strength in those moments this season.
Since his arrival, Demiral has helped Al Ahli achieve a clearer defensive balance compared with previous campaigns, lowering the club’s goals conceded and strengthening resilience against counters and crosses. His understanding with goalkeeper Mendy and fellow defender Ibanez has been a key reason for the overall defensive improvement.
Rising Controversy
Recent reports have intensified the focus on Demiral’s future with Al Ahli, amid European interest and speculation about a potential move if a fitting offer arrives in the next transfer window.
While the club has publicly emphasized its desire to keep the player, the Turkey international has not hidden his interest in experiencing a new challenge if a European return presents itself, fueling debate among fans and media about his long term fate.
Despite the strong on pitch performances and the ambiguity surrounding his future, Demiral remains one of the most influential foreign defenders in the Saudi Pro League this season, a player difficult to replace should he depart.
The Biggest Challenge
Renewing contracts for core players represents the biggest challenge for Al Ahli’s management, as they aim to preserve the spine of a squad that recently won the Elite Asian Champions League. Securing the core roster is essential; a departure by a star could open the door to more exits if performance or ambitions fall short of those of the club this season.
The club has already secured a renewal for coach Matthias Jaissle, who has led the project toward continental glory and also recently added the Saudi Super Cup. Talks around his contract have moved forward following earlier pauses over financial terms and contract length, and Jaissle is now set to remain at the helm for longer.
Attention will naturally shift to locking down other key players such as Ivory Coast midfielder Frank Kessi, Senegal international goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez, who have all shone this season.
Finally, if the derby goes well, we all go home with a higher sense of pride; if not, at least the dressing room will have more drama than a soap opera.
Punchline 1: If Merih Demiral ever misses a header, the crossbar files a grievance with the league.
Punchline 2: He defends so hard that even the grass signs a shelter agreement with him.
