There is nothing new on Laporte: Al-Ahli protect their star from the Premier League

Good news for Al-Raqi fans

Saudi club Al-Ahli have protected their star from the ambitions of several English Premier League clubs, avoiding a repeat of the crisis they endured with former German coach Matthias Jaissle.

Jaissle walked away from Al-Ahli just days before the start of the current Saudi Roshn League season, paying the release clause in his contract to take charge of Newcastle United.

Saudi newspaper "Arriyadiyah" report that Al-Ahli dodged a repeat of that scenario with French midfielder Valentin Atangana, tying him down to a new deal until 2029.

The renewal went through today, Thursday, after negotiations that began some time ago, driven by Al-Ahli's French chief executive Fabrice Bocquet.

Atangana caught the eye of several Premier League clubs during the last summer transfer window, most notably Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, according to previous press reports.

His form has fuelled that interest. The 21-year-old has impressed ever since joining Al-Ahli from France's Stade de Reims in the summer of 2025.

Since arriving at the Al-Inma Stadium, the French midfielder has featured in 49 matches for Al-Ahli across all competitions, scoring 6 goals without a single assist.

Next up, Atangana and Al-Ahli travel to face Al-Fateh tomorrow, Friday, at the Mayadeen Al-Awwal Finance Stadium in Al-Ahsa in the eighth round of the Saudi Roshn League.

Al-Ahli sit sixth in the table on 12 points from four wins and three defeats, a full six points behind leaders Al-Hilal.