French player Valentin Atangana, who recently joined Al Ahli, disclosed the details of his transfer, confirming that his desire to play alongside elite stars was the primary motivation behind his decision, despite receiving a last-minute European offer during the transfer window.
In statements made to the French newspaper Le Parisien, Atangana explained that he was in London for medical examinations in preparation for joining Strasbourg when he received a call from his father just 24 hours before the registration period closed, informing him of an official offer from Al Ahli.
Details of the Transfer
The player stated, "I accepted the offer; the financial aspect was important, but it wasn't the primary reason. I wanted to play with the stars," indicating that the presence of big names within the team provided him with additional motivation to embark on this journey.
He added, "When I saw the list of Al Ahli players, I didn't hesitate. I felt that this step would help me develop and reach a higher level." Atangana also spoke about the support he received since arriving in Jeddah, noting that Ivory Coast player Franck Kessié played a significant role in easing his adaptation by inviting him to his home with his family during his early days, while Senegalese player Mendy provided ongoing support within the team.
Background & Context
It is worth noting that Atangana's transfer to Al Ahli comes at a time when the Saudi League is witnessing significant development, becoming a preferred destination for many international players. The substantial investments in Saudi clubs have attracted stars, reflecting the high ambitions of Saudi football.
Regarding his life in Saudi Arabia, the player expressed great comfort, saying, "Saudi Arabia is a beautiful country, and French players have helped me get to know life in Jeddah. My father previously played here with Al Fateh, which made things much easier for me." Atangana pointed out that the Saudi League is experiencing notable growth, predicting that it will become more competitive than the French league in the future.
Impact & Consequences
Atangana's statements come at a sensitive time for Al Ahli, which is striving to strengthen its squad with stars capable of competing in local and continental championships. The presence of players like Riyad Mahrez in the team reflects the increasing appeal of the Saudi League and enhances the team's chances of winning titles.
Atangana confirmed that Algerian player Riyad Mahrez is the closest to him, explaining, "Mahrez talks to me constantly and gives me confidence, assuring me that I have the potential to reach the highest level and represent the French national team." This relationship highlights the importance of psychological and moral support among players, especially in a new environment.
Regional Significance
Atangana's transfer to Al Ahli represents part of a broader trend in Arab football towards attracting global talent. This trend not only enhances the level of competition in the Saudi League but also contributes to improving the image of Arab football on the international stage.
These movements reflect the high ambitions of Arab clubs to strengthen their position in the football world, which could lead to increased investments and partnerships with European clubs.
In conclusion, Atangana remains an example of how the influence of big stars can impact players' decisions and how the Saudi League can become a preferred destination for global talent.