RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye has joined recently promoted Saudi Pro League club Diriyah as a free agent after leaving Everton, the Saudi side announced on Sunday.
- Idrissa Gueye has joined Diriyah as a free agent.
- The 36-year-old midfielder left Everton in July after two spells with the English club.
- Gueye has won more than 130 caps for Senegal and lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.
- Diriyah has also signed Chancel Mbemba and goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj ahead of its Saudi Pro League campaign.
Idrissa Gueye joins Saudi club Diriyah
Diriyah confirmed the signing of Gueye on Sunday but did not disclose detailed contract terms. Local media reported that the Senegal international had agreed to a one-year contract with an option for a second season.
The club welcomed the experienced midfielder in a post on X, describing him as one of its own and highlighting the value of his experience.
“Idrissa is one of ours. His experience is an asset.”
Gueye arrives at Diriyah as the club prepares for its first season following promotion to the Saudi Pro League.
Gueye leaves Everton after seven seasons across two spells
The 36-year-old midfielder departed Everton in July after spending a combined seven seasons with the Premier League club across two separate spells.
His career also included a three-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain between his periods at Everton. Before establishing himself at the top level of European football, Gueye played for Lille in France.
The move to Saudi Arabia gives the experienced midfielder a new challenge as Diriyah begins life in the country’s top division.
Senegal international brings extensive experience
Gueye has earned more than 130 international caps for Senegal and was part of the national team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021.
He also featured for Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played against Iraq in a Group I match in Toronto on June 26.
His international experience adds another layer of leadership to a Diriyah squad preparing to compete at the highest level of Saudi domestic football.
Diriyah strengthens squad after promotion
Gueye is not the only established international player to arrive at the Saudi club. Diriyah have also completed moves for Democratic Republic of Congo captain Chancel Mbemba and Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
The arrivals give the newly promoted side additional experience as it prepares for the demands of the Saudi Pro League. Gueye’s signing, in particular, brings a midfielder with extensive experience in European club football and international competition.
New chapter for Gueye in Saudi Arabia
After leaving Everton, Gueye will now continue his career in Saudi Arabia with a club entering the top flight. His arrival provides Diriyah with an experienced option in midfield as the team begins its campaign against established Saudi Pro League opposition.
With Gueye, Mbemba and Vasilj among the club’s latest recruits, Diriyah are building a squad around players with significant international and top-level club experience as they take on the challenge of their new league status.
