Denis Zakaria Transfer To Al Ahli Collapses

The transfer of Denis Zakaria from AS Monaco to Al Ahli is now off. All parties have ended talks after days of intense negotiation.

WHAT HAPPENED?

AS Monaco, Al Ahli, and Zakaria had been in advanced talks over the transfer, reportedly worth up to €45m. A previous report confirmed that Al Ahli and AS Monaco had reached an agreement for Zakaria’s transfer, with a €45 million package deal reportedly on the table. Media reports earlier suggested that a deal was agreed in principle as Monaco were set to cash in on the Swiss international one year after his arrival.

However, on Monday night, all parties decided to stop negotiations. There is now no agreement in place, and the move is considered frozen and is unlikely to restart soon.

RECENT FORM AND SEASON CONTEXT

Zakaria started Monaco’s Ligue 1 season opener, highlighting his importance to a team that is aiming to secure a top-three finish. Monaco finished third last season and are keen to improve on that this campaign. Notably, Zakaria was a significant asset for Monaco last season, making 34 appearances, scoring 7 goals, and assisting 4, which underscores his role as a key player.

Al Ahli, one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, finished fourth last season and also have big ambitions to win the Saudi Pro League title this season. The club have made several marquee signings in recent weeks in a bid to win the league, but must now turn to other targets as the transfer window progresses. At the same time, Monaco will attempt to integrate a key player back into the squad, even though his recent departure was inevitable at that point.

WHAT NEXT FOR MONACO AND ZAKARIA?

With the deal off, Zakaria is set to stay at Monaco and is expected to feature in their next Ligue 1 clash. Monaco face Lille next week—a key fixture, as Monaco finished only 2 spots above Lille last season. Both teams are battling for a top-four spot and Champions League qualification, so Zakaria’s availability may play an important role.

As for Al Ahli, they have a big match coming up against league leaders Al Hilal, with the gap between the two clubs currently being only four points. Meanwhile, there is still time left until the transfer window closes, and a renewed approach from Al Ahli cannot be ruled out.