Yassine El Zoubidi has formally requested a transfer away from Al-Ahli after an underwhelming campaign that saw the 23-year-old forward limited to just four substitute appearances. According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Khaleej have submitted a loan proposal to secure the young talent until the end of the 2025-26 season, with El Zoubidi eager to escape the Saudi Pro League leaders in pursuit of regular first-team football.
A Lack of Opportunity at Al-Ahli
El Zoubidi's journey at Al-Ahli has been marked by frustration rather than progress. Promoted to the senior squad in 2023, he struggled to break into the first-team picture and was subsequently loaned to Al-Akhdoud for the final months of the 2023-24 season. The winger remained on loan for the entirety of last campaign before returning to Al-Ahli, only to find his situation unchanged. During the 2024-25 season, he accumulated precisely 27 minutes across four bench appearances—a clear indication that manager Matthias Jack and his coaching staff had no immediate plans to integrate the young forward into their setup.
Primarily deployed as a right winger, El Zoubidi possesses the technical ability to operate on the left flank, though with considerably less effectiveness. His versatility should appeal to potential suitors, particularly in a transfer market where depth across the attacking third remains valuable. At 23, he remains young enough to develop into a consistent performer, provided he receives the playing time necessary to fulfil his potential.
Al-Khaleej's Ambitious Recruitment
Al-Khaleej's interest in El Zoubidi reflects their growing ambitions within Saudi football. The club emerged as one of last season's surprise packages, reaching the final of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup before falling short against the formidable Al-Hilal. A loan deal for a promising young talent aligns with their trajectory and suggests they remain keen to strengthen their squad for another competitive campaign. For El Zoubidi, a move to Al-Khaleej could provide the breakthrough opportunity he desperately needs to revive his career at a crucial stage of his development.
