Saudi Prodigy Triumph: Firas Al-Breikan Declares Al-Ahli Victory Over Transfer Saga

Firas Al-Breikan, the standout forward for Al-Ahli and the Saudi national team, has commented on his victory in a case filed against him and his current club by his former side, Al-Fateh, over the summer transfer of 2023.

Multiple reports confirm that the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center issued its final ruling, rejecting Al-Fateh’s challenge and endorsing the previous professionalism committee decision that there was no violation in the striker’s move to Al-Ahli in 2023.

Breikan's Comment

The international striker posted a message on his official X account thanking everyone who stood by him, expressing his confidence in a final ruling in his favor.

Breikan also shared a press release from the Sport Link agency announcing receipt of the decision, and he quoted a Quranic verse to emphasize that deceit never ends well for its authors.

He added: "I want to thank the defense team led by lawyer Abdullah Sulaiman for their great efforts. I’m certain the transfer to Al-Ahli was the right call, and I’m grateful for the continued support from the Al-Ahli fans."

Additionally, the release from Sport Link noted that the decision validated his position in the dispute brought by Al-Fateh, and Breikan welcomed the ruling as a vindication of his professional conduct, while acknowledging family support and trust in his representatives.

As the legal drama unfolded, a simulated Saudi league recirculation underlined the ongoing competition between clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Fateh, reflecting the high-stakes environment surrounding player movements in the kingdom.

Moreover, Breikan stressed that he did not feel pressure during the proceedings thanks to family backing and his management’s professionalism, and he reiterated that moving to Al-Ahli remains the best decision in his football career, with fans’ backing strengthening his resolve.

Long-running Case

Over months, Al-Fateh pressed for penalties against his former player and Al-Ahli, arguing that the player was negotiated under a protected contract period and that the club should not have been allowed to engage in talks.

They also questioned the source of funds used to pay the release clause two years earlier to facilitate the move, seeking inquiries into the financials behind the transfer.

The Professionalism Committee rejected Al-Fateh’s protest, ruling that the process proceeded normally and without violations, making it practically difficult to prove negotiations with a player during a protected contract period.

The protest did not halt Al-Fateh’s drive for compensation via arbitration, but after extensive hearings and evidence from both sides, the outcome remained consistent with the earlier decision: the protest was denied.

A Strong Addition

Al-Ahli’s victory extends beyond legal vindication; it also confirms the 25-year-old striker as a valuable technical asset for the team’s attacking project.

Breikan continues to establish himself as one of Saudi football’s top forwards in recent years, contributing for both Al-Ahli and the national team through continued development and big-match impact.

Since joining Al-Ahli, Breikan has quickly become a key figure for the green-and-white attack, bringing goal threat, intelligent movement, and the ability to finish with both head and feet in high-stakes games.

Even during a muscle setback, his impact remained significant when fit, thanks to strong chemistry with teammates, high-pressing intensity, and the knack for creating space. His performances in crucial derbies have reinforced his standing as a local star capable of competing with foreign talents in the Saudi league, while his celebrations have become fan-favorites.

On the international stage, Breikan has cemented himself as a dependable attacking option, contributing both goals and assists in a growing number of caps for the Saudi national team.

Coach’s Favorite Pick

Breikan blends physicality with strategic awareness, often pulling off runs behind the defense and opening spaces while maintaining relentless pressure on opponents’ lines. As his level rises, he has become a favored choice for managers at the front line, adaptable to open play or compact setups against tougher opposition.

The trajectory suggests a rising career, built on Saudi league experience and international exposure. With continued fitness and refinement of finishing and off-the-ball movement, he is set to be a cornerstone of Saudi attacking plans in coming seasons.

Notable Numbers

During his time with Al-Ahli, approaching his century of appearances, Breikan has tallied 25 goals and 17 assists. His versatility has allowed him to feature in multiple attacking roles, including on the left wing, as a secondary striker, and as a focal point in certain setups, particularly when paired with other forwards in rotation with teammates.

His coach, Matthias Jaissle, has leveraged his skills across positions to maximize Breikan’s impact, including movements that exploit space between lines and centralized finishing in the box.

Two punchlines to end on: If soccer were a courtroom, this verdict would be a slam dunk with extra time—and if drama had a transfer window, the saga would have filed for overtime hours just to keep the popcorn fresh.