French midfielder Yacine Adli has officially taken a new step in his professional career by completing a move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Shabab. The transfer ends his spell with AC Milan, a journey that began in 2021 when the Rossoneri signed him from French side Bordeaux.
Struggles for Playing Time at Milan
Although highly rated upon his arrival, Adli found it difficult to secure consistent minutes in Milan’s midfield. The competition for places was intense, and his opportunities became increasingly limited. Last season, the 25-year-old was sent out on loan to Fiorentina, but even there, regular game time was hard to come by.
With Milan strengthening their midfield further this summer, Adli’s path into the first team became even narrower, leading both the club and player to agree on a permanent departure.
Official Announcement from Al Shabab
Al Shabab made the transfer official through their social media channels, welcoming the French midfielder with an enthusiastic statement.
“Adli the magician has arrived! He transforms everything with his magic,” the Saudi club declared, signaling their excitement over the new signing.
The announcement immediately generated buzz among fans in the Saudi Pro League, as the club looks to add more European talent to bolster its squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Transfer Details and Fabrizio Romano’s Report
Renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed that the deal between Milan and Al Shabab was completed for a fee in the region of €7 million. The agreement also includes several add-ons, meaning Milan could earn more depending on Adli’s performances and achievements in Saudi Arabia.
This permanent transfer not only provides Adli with a chance to reinvent himself but also offers Milan financial flexibility to continue their squad rebuild under Massimiliano Allegri.
Why Milan Let Him Go
Milan’s decision to sell Adli largely stems from the abundance of midfield options currently available. During the latest transfer window, the Rossoneri strengthened their squad with experienced stars like Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot, while also adding younger talents such as Jardon Ashari and Samuel Ricci.
With such depth in midfield, Adli was unlikely to play a key role at San Siro, making the move to Al Shabab the most logical outcome for all parties involved.
A Fresh Start in Saudi Arabia
For Adli, joining Al Shabab could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter. At just 25 years old, he still has plenty of years ahead of him to showcase his skills. The Saudi Pro League continues to attract international stars, and Adli’s creativity, vision, and technical flair may well make him a standout performer in the Middle East.
As Al Shabab aims to challenge the dominance of clubs like Al Hilal and Al Nassr, Adli’s arrival could prove to be a pivotal addition. Fans will be eager to see whether the French midfielder can live up to the “magician” label and deliver the consistency that eluded him in Italy.
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