The management of Al-Ahli Saudi Club has begun practical steps to secure the retention of three foreign players considered to be key pillars, as part of its efforts to enhance the team's technical stability in the upcoming period.

Sources from the "Al-Muntasaf" program confirmed that the sporting director, Rui Pedro, has initiated direct communications with the representatives of Ivorian Franck Kessié, Turkish Merih Demiral, and Senegalese Edouard Mendy to explore the possibility of renewal.

Al-Ahly is reopening the contract files for the trio following the consistent performances they delivered under coach Matthias Jaissle, making their continuation essential to maintain the team's defensive balance and technical depth.

The report clarified that Pedro is considering renewing Kessié's contract for just one additional year, while extending goalkeeper Mendy's contract for two seasons, with a similar or relatively longer period for defender Demiral based on performance evaluation.

The three players joined Al-Ahly in the summer of 2023, with contracts ending in June 2026, making the current period suitable to start negotiations before they enter the final months of their contracts.

Kessié, Mendy, and Demiral clearly contributed to the club's return to winning titles in 2025, following the team's success in securing the Asian Champions League for the elite and the Saudi Super Cup, thanks to their cohesion and the development of their collective performance.