Denis Zakaria Stays at AS Monaco as Al Ahli Transfer Collapses

Denis Zakaria will stay at AS Monaco this season. Talks for a transfer to Al Ahli have officially ended. Monaco confirmed the Swiss midfielder is not leaving, stopping days of speculation. The transfer of Denis Zakaria from AS Monaco to Al Ahli is now off.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Zakaria was near a move to Al Ahli. Talks heated early in the week. Reports said Al Ahli offered Monaco €45 million and a three-year deal to Zakaria. But final talks fell apart due to regulatory and roster problems at the Saudi club. It was impossible to finish the move this summer. On August 19, Monaco clearly said Zakaria will not leave. He plans to stay with the first team for the 2025-26 season.

MONACO’S SEASON SO FAR

AS Monaco have started the Ligue 1 season well. They won their opener against Le Havre and are looking to their 2nd match against European contenders Lille. Zakaria, 28, played in all games, anchoring midfield and adding stability. Fans see his presence as a big boost, with increased ambitions after last season’s third-place finish.

WHAT NEXT FOR ZAKARIA AND MONACO?

Monaco’s next match is against Lille, who finished 5th last season, 2 spots behind Monaco. With Zakaria confirmed to stay, Monaco hopes for continued midfield stability. Lyon is one of their closest rivals, so a win could keep Monaco in the top three. It might also close the gap to last season’s runner ups Marseille, and try to pose a challenge to PSG. Zakaria staying is important as Monaco aims for Champions League qualification again this year.