Al Ahli Transfer Interest in Teboho Mokoena Clarified as Mamelodi Sundowns Star Linked With Saudi Move

Teboho Mokoena has emerged as a reported transfer target for Saudi Pro League giants Al Ahli following the departure of Franck Kessié to Atalanta, but the midfielder’s agent has moved quickly to clarify the situation. Reports have suggested that Al Ahli could consider Mokoena as a potential replacement for the Ivory Coast captain, who recently completed his move to the Italian club. The speculation has attracted significant attention because Mokoena remains one of the most highly regarded midfielders on the African continent and continues to play a key role for Mamelodi Sundowns. However, despite the growing transfer talk, there does not appear to be an official approach for the South African international at this stage. His representative, Glyn Binkin, has confirmed that neither he nor Sundowns has received a formal offer from Al Ahli.

The timing of the speculation has also added an interesting dimension to the story because Al Ahli and Sundowns are scheduled to meet at the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup later in September. That fixture could potentially put Mokoena directly in front of the club that has reportedly been monitoring his situation. For now, however, the midfielder remains contracted to Sundowns and there is no indication that a transfer is close to being completed. Binkin explained that he has not been contacted by Al Ahli about Mokoena, despite the reports circulating in the media. He also believes Sundowns would have informed him if the club had received an official approach for their prized midfielder.

The comments from Mokoena’s agent provide important context to the transfer speculation and underline the difference between reported interest and an actual transfer negotiation. Binkin told Egyptian publication Kora Plus that there had been no contact from Al Ahli regarding the midfielder. He also pointed out that Mokoena still has three years remaining on his current contract with Mamelodi Sundowns. This means any interested club would have to approach Sundowns directly and negotiate a transfer agreement before the player could leave. The situation therefore remains one to watch rather than a confirmed transfer development, with the possibility of a formal approach still dependent on Al Ahli deciding to pursue the player.

Mokoena’s contractual position gives Sundowns considerable leverage should Al Ahli or another club eventually make an offer. The midfielder renewed his contract with the Pretoria-based club two years ago, providing Sundowns with long-term security over one of their most important players. A club looking to sign him would therefore have to negotiate directly with Sundowns and meet the financial expectations attached to a player of his quality and importance. Binkin indicated that Sundowns understand Mokoena has ambitions to experience professional football outside South Africa at some point. However, those ambitions do not mean the club would be expected to accept an offer that does not properly reflect the midfielder’s value.

The agent also offered a strong assessment of Mokoena’s standing in African football, describing him as arguably the best player in his position still playing on the continent. Such praise highlights why his name continues to attract attention from clubs outside Africa. Mokoena has established himself as a technically capable and tactically intelligent midfielder who can contribute defensively while also influencing matches with his passing, positioning and ability to strike the ball from distance. His professionalism away from the pitch has also been highlighted as an important part of his appeal to potential suitors. These qualities could make him an attractive option for clubs searching for a midfielder capable of filling a significant role rather than simply adding squad depth.

The reported link with Al Ahli also makes sense from a squad-building perspective following Kessié’s departure. The Ivorian midfielder brought considerable experience, physical strength and tactical discipline to the Saudi club’s midfield, and replacing such an influential player would require careful recruitment. Mokoena could offer a different profile while still providing many of the qualities required in a competitive midfield. His performances for Sundowns and his experience at international level with Bafana Bafana have helped establish him as a player capable of handling pressure in major matches. Nevertheless, Al Ahli would first need to move beyond reported interest and make direct contact with Sundowns if they intend to explore a potential transfer.

For Mokoena, continued speculation about a move to Saudi Arabia or another overseas league reflects the growing international attention surrounding his career. The midfielder has previously been linked with opportunities outside Africa, while his performances for Sundowns have continued to strengthen his reputation. A move abroad would represent a significant career decision and could provide him with the opportunity to test himself in another highly competitive environment. At the same time, Sundowns have built a squad capable of competing at the highest level of African club football and will have their own sporting ambitions to consider. Any decision regarding Mokoena’s future would therefore need to balance the player’s career aspirations with the club’s sporting and financial interests.

The upcoming meeting between Sundowns and Al Ahli at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup adds further intrigue to the situation. The match will bring the two clubs together on the international stage and could give Al Ahli an opportunity to assess Mokoena first-hand if their interest develops into something more concrete. It also means that the transfer story could receive additional attention as the tournament approaches. However, neither the scheduled fixture nor the current reports should be interpreted as evidence that a transfer is imminent. At present, the key fact remains that Binkin has confirmed there has been no official contact from Al Ahli and that Mokoena remains under contract with Sundowns.

The situation could still change quickly during the transfer window, particularly if Al Ahli decide that Mokoena is the right player to strengthen their midfield following Kessié’s departure. Any formal approach would begin a different stage of the process, with Sundowns then able to assess the proposal and determine whether it meets their valuation of the player. Mokoena’s remaining three years on his contract provide the club with a strong negotiating position, while his agent’s comments indicate that Sundowns are aware of the player’s long-term desire to experience football outside South Africa. Until an official offer arrives, though, speculation will remain just that.

For now, Teboho Mokoena remains a Mamelodi Sundowns player, despite the growing reports linking him with Al Ahli. His agent’s comments have made it clear that no official bid has reached either him or the club, meaning there is currently no confirmed transfer negotiation between the parties. The reported interest is nevertheless significant because it involves one of Saudi Arabia’s major clubs and comes shortly after Kessié’s move to Atalanta. Mokoena’s contract, reputation and performances mean any potential deal would require serious negotiations and a substantial commitment from an interested club. With Sundowns and Al Ahli set to meet at the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, the midfielder’s future will remain a closely watched story as the transfer window develops.