Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli SFC of Jeddah has unveiled Nigerian youngster Suleiman Bello, who has been offered a three-year contract, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bello, 19, was signed from Kaduna-based Nigerian National League side, Seat of God Football Club. He was discovered during a scouting tournament in Kaduna in 2024.
The youngster is a defensive midfielder but has also been playing in the central defensive position.
Al-Ahli’s unveiling of Bello was delayed by paperwork to sort out his transfer, as it was made on the final day of transfer in Saudi Arabia. But the club filed an appeal with FIFA, which was eventually granted.
Bello joins another Nigerian William Troost-Ekong in the Saudi top flight.
Among giants
Bello has been training with the senior squad that includes English star Ivan Toney, Ivory Coast midfielder Frank Kessie and Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez.
Some of the other big international stars in the team include Brazilian centre-back Roger Ibanez, Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and French midfielder Enzo Millot.
He has also been featuring for the U21s since September and is the only foreign player in their U21s squad. He has played seven matches for them.
Loan move in January
As the Al-Ahli senior squad is packed with senior internationals, sources told Soccernet.ng that Bello will move to another Saudi Pro League side in January.
There, he will be able to get playing time in a senior side.
Al-Ahli have 11 foreign players in their first team. The League’s regulation states that only eight foreign players can play for a club at a time.
This means that Bello will need another senior team to grow his undeniable talent.