Al Ahli are building momentum at a critical point of the season, sitting fifth in the Saudi Pro League with 21 points from 10 games, and carrying a five-match winning streak into Friday's away fixture against Al Shabab at SHG Arena. The run includes a 2-1 victory over Qatari side Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League Elite, where the club moved to seven points and second place in the league phase standings. That result extended a sequence that has quietened early doubts about Dutch head coach Marino Busicic, who struggled with defeats to Al Khulood, Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah in the opening weeks before finding his footing.

The biggest story surrounding the club, however, concerns Ivan Toney. The English striker is the Saudi Pro League's top scorer with 13 goals this season and has been linked with a return to the Premier League with Newcastle United. Al Ahli's management has moved quickly to shut down speculation, with sources telling the club's media channels that formal steps to extend Toney's contract have already begun and that no official approach from any club exists. The club is treating his retention as a priority.

Adding complexity to Toney's situation, a trial date of June 2028 has been set for an assault case in London, with the timing threatening to overlap with Euro 2028. With legal proceedings suspended for nearly 20 months, his focus returns to club football, where Al Ahli need him most.