Yacine Adli Joins Al Shabab in €7M Deal from AC Milan

In a significant transfer move, French midfielder Yacine Adli has officially joined Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab from AC Milan for a reported €7 million package, including add-ons. The deal, confirmed on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, marks another high-profile move to the Middle East, signaling the continued rise of the Saudi league as a destination for European talent.

Adli, who joined AC Milan from Bordeaux in 2021 for €10m, has signed a long-term contract with Al Shabab, with the transfer brokered by the prominent SEG agency. The 25-year-old’s move comes after limited playing time at Milan, where he was training with the youth side, Milan Futuro. This transfer represents a near full capital gain for the Italian club, showcasing a strategic financial play.

The timing of the deal aligns with Saudi Arabia’s extended transfer window, which remains open until September 30, 2025, contrasting with Europe’s closed window. This flexibility has enabled the league to attract players like Adli, following in the footsteps of global stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. As the Saudi Pro League continues to invest heavily—spending has surged 137% since 2021, per Deloitte—Adli’s arrival could signal a new chapter in his career and the league’s global ambitions.