Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia is preparing a summer overhaul in midfield, with French international Manu Koné emerging as the prime target to fill the void left by departing compatriot Enzo Millot. According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, the Saudi club's Portuguese sporting director Rui Pedro has made the decision to move Millot on, prompting an immediate search for reinforcements in a competitive midfield market.
Koné, 25, plays for Roma in Serie A and represented France during the 2026 World Cup finals in North America, featuring in five matches including four starts. Though he failed to register a goal or assist at the tournament, the midfielder's overall performances caught the attention of several elite European sides. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Atletico Madrid are among the clubs monitoring his availability, making any potential deal with Al-Ahli considerably challenging.
Millot's Departure and Backup Options
Millot arrived at Al-Ahli from Stuttgart last summer and started strongly before his form declined in recent months. Across 40 appearances in all competitions, the French midfielder contributed nine goals and seven assists—solid numbers that nonetheless failed to prevent his exit from the project. Al-Ahli's inability to offload him has complicated the club's recruitment strategy, with no concrete offers materialising so far.
Should Koné's acquisition prove unfeasible, Al-Ahli has identified a secondary option: Idrissa Gueye, the Senegalese midfielder who recently departed Everton following the expiration of his contract. Gueye offers proven experience in top-tier football and represents a more accessible alternative, though the club must first secure Millot's departure before pursuing either target. The timing of these moves will define Al-Ahli's competitive prospects for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign and their continental ambitions.
