Wenderson Galeno has officially joined Al Ahli from FC Porto, marking his exit from the Portuguese side after nearly seven years. The transfer, valued at 50 million euros (approximately R$ 305.6 million), was confirmed by both clubs on January 31, 2025, coinciding with the end of the Saudi Arabian transfer window.
The Brazilian forward's contract with Al Ahli is expected to span three and a half years, during which he will earn 5 million euros annually. His signing was facilitated by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has been increasingly influential across the country's top football clubs.
Galeno's move to Al Ahli corresponds with the team’s goal to bolster its squad, presently placed fifth in the Saudi Pro League, 11 points behind leaders Al-Hilal. Al Ahli's roster already includes popular Brazilian figures like Roberto Firmino, Ibañez, and Alexsander, creating exciting prospects for the attacking lineup.
Previously, Galeno's prospective transfer to Saudi football nearly materialized last summer for Al Ittihad, but fell through at the last minute. Now, the prolific striker, known for his speed and skill, fully transitions to new challenges after four fruitful seasons at Porto. During his time spent there, Galeno participated in 153 matches, scoring 45 goals and providing 24 assists, making him one of the key players for Porto.
His most productive season came recently during the 2023/24 campaign when he netted 16 goals and assisted 12 times across 48 appearances. This success helped him win seven titles with Porto, including the prestigious Primeira Liga championship during the 2021/22 season.
The Porto club acknowledged their financial obligations resulting from the transfer, noting they would need to pay solidarity contributions, about 10% of the transfer fee, to clubs from which Galeno had previously played. This involves other teams such as Braga, where he played before his return to Porto.
Galeno's departure has elevated him to joint-second place for the highest transfer fees received by FC Porto, alongside Éder Militão's move to Real Madrid back in 2018/19. This comparison exemplifies how Galeno’s value has surged, making him one of the most coveted forwards arriving at the Saudi club, simultaneously eleving Al Ahli's reputation on the international football stage.
Reflecting on his football progression, Galeno originated from Trindade, Goiás, Brazil, where he began his career before making his way through Portuguese football, joining FC Porto originally back in the 2016/17 season with their B team. His career path includes loan spells at Portimonense and Rio Ave, as well as his transition to Braga before return to the blue and white of Porto, where he finally made his mark.
Now, as he sets his sight on new horizons, Galeno has stated how eager he is to integrate with teammates like Firmino and adapt to the competitive atmosphere of the Saudi league. His recent international exposure, where he earned two caps for the Brazilian national team, including his debut against Spain, has kept him on the radar, solidifying his standing as not just another transfer but as potential squad asset for Brazil going forward.
The intersection of football enthusiasm and financial dynamics continues to shape current events around Galeno's transition, especially as it signals the continuing trend of star players moving to lucrative Saudi Pro League contracts. His career moves, influence, and contributions are expected to resonate within the region's growing football prominence.
The transfer window will remain open until nearly the start of February, and both FC Porto and Al Ahli are expected to make additional moves as they position themselves for the challenges of their respective upcoming seasons. For Galeno, the chapter of his Brazilian roots now formally continues on Saudi soil, with the potential for exciting new developments on the pitch.