Kalidou Koulibaly leaves Chelsea for Saudi Arabia as defender joins Al-Hilal

25.06.2023 - 19:15 breakingnews.ie

Kalidou Koulibaly has left Chelsea after only one season to join Saudi Professional League side Al-Hilal. Senegal captain Koulibaly moved to England last summer from Napoli on a four-year deal in a transfer reported to be worth £34 million.

The centre-back went on to make 32 appearances for Chelsea during a difficult season, but has now departed Stamford Bridge. Kalidou Koulibaly has completed a move to @Alhilal_FC. ✍️ — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 25, 2023 A club statement read: “We would like to thank Kalidou for his contributions on and off the pitch during his time at Stamford Bridge and wish him well for the next stage of his career.” Koulibaly is not the first Chelsea player to make the move to Saudi Arabia.

N’Golo Kante agreed to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer following the expiration of his deal with the Blues. A number of high-profile names have moved to the Saudi Professional League during the past six months.

Karim Benzema has already agreed to join Al-Ittihad after 14 seasons at Real Madrid, following Cristiano Ronaldo who moved to Al Nassr from Manchester United in December.

Premier League soccer as Cristiano Ronaldo Pierre Emerick Aubameyang Ruben Neves Kalidou Koulibaly Manchester Senegal county Gulf Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Roberto Firmino signed for Al-Ahli on Tuesday to become the latest star to head to Saudi Arabia’s lucrative Pro League. The Brazil striker left Liverpool at the end of last season after a trophy-filled eight-year spell, which saw him lift every major club title. Now, at the age of 31, he will join a host of other top soccer stars in Saudi Arabia as the oil-rich kingdom embarks on a spectacular attempt to raise the profile of its league. “I always played for big teams, now I am in Al-Ahli,” Firmino said in a video posted on Twitter by the club to announce his signing.

Marcelo Brozovic becomes the latest player leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr

RIYADH: Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic is the latest elite player to join the Saudi Arabian league by joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. Brozovic moves to the Saudi Pro League having played in the Champions League final in his last match with Inter Milan — as team captain. “Everyone wanted him. He wanted only us,” Al-Nassr said in a tweet announcing Brozovic’s arrival Monday.

Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal reappoint Jorge Jesus as coach

Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have reappointed Portuguese Jorge Jesus as their coach on a one-year deal, the Saudi Pro League club said on Saturday.

Midfielder Loftus-Cheek leaves Chelsea for Milan

LONDON : Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has signed a four-year contract with AC Milan, the two teams announced on Friday.

Man City star Riyad Mahrez 'identified as next target for Saudi Arabia move' and more transfer rumours

Riyad Mahrez has been earmarked as the next big-name target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli once they complete the signings of Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino, according to reports.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy joins Al-Ahli as latest Chelsea player heading to Saudi Arabia

LONDON: Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy joined Saudi Arabian team Al-Ahli on Wednesday, becoming the latest Chelsea player to head to the oil-rich kingdom. N’Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly have already made moves to the lucrative Saudi Pro League during this transfer window. Hakim Ziyech is also expected to join Al-Nassr, where he will team up with Cristiano Ronaldo.