Al-Ahli have reached an agreement to sign Enzo Millot from VfB Stuttgart in a surprising move that has bypassed Atletico Madrid, who had been in advanced negotiations for the French midfielder. The Saudi club managed to hijack the Spanish club’s deal after reaching agreements with both Stuttgart and Millot himself.
Hijacking Atletico Madrid’s Deal
Atletico Madrid had previously been close to securing Millot with a contract agreed until 2030, with the Spanish club looking to activate his €18m release clause. However, Al-Ahli swooped in at the last minute with a superior financial package that convinced both the player and Stuttgart to change direction. Millot has changed his mind and agreed to Saudi training after the financial effort made by Al-Ahli.
Transfer Fee and Financial Details
Stuttgart will receive a fee of €28m for Millot’s services, as his previous release clause worth €18m had expired. The release clause for a move to Saudi Arabia was no longer valid, allowing Stuttgart to negotiate a higher fee. This transfer fee represents a substantial profit for Stuttgart, who initially paid around €5m to sign Millot from AS Monaco in 2021.
Matthias Jaissle’s Crucial Role
Al-Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle pushed strongly for the move, playing a key role in convincing Millot to join the Saudi Arabian club. The German manager’s influence proved decisive in securing the French midfielder’s signature over other European suitors. Jaissle’s previous experience working with young talented players at RB Salzburg appears to have been a factor in attracting Millot to the project.
Liverpool complete the signing of another Wonderkid
Player Profile and Recent Performance
The 23-year-old French midfielder scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in 43 appearances during Stuttgart’s 2024/25 season. Millot’s versatility and technical ability have made him one of the most sought-after young midfielders in European football. His performances helped Stuttgart achieve a respectable league position and caught the attention of several top clubs across Europe.
Competition from Premier League Clubs
Reports had also linked Millot with a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, but the London club never made a concrete offer. This marks the second time a club has swooped in for the Olympic Silver Medalist, referencing his previous move from Monaco to Stuttgart when other clubs were also interested.
Medical and Final Formalities
The player is still in Stuttgart but will soon travel for his medical once the final details are settled. Sources close to the deal suggest that only minor contractual details remain to be finalized before the transfer becomes official. Al-Ahli are expected to announce the signing within the next 48 hours.
Millot’s Career Journey
Millot signed his first professional contract with Monaco on 30 July 2019 and made his professional debut in a 1-0 Ligue 1 loss to Brest on 4 October 2020. On 14 August 2021, Millot signed a four-year contract with VfB Stuttgart, and on 12 January 2024, he extended his contract with Stuttgart until June 2028.
Al-Ahli’s Ambitious Project
The signing of Millot continues Al-Ahli’s ambitious recruitment strategy under new ownership. The club has already assembled a squad featuring high-profile players and is looking to establish itself as a major force in both domestic and continental competitions. Millot’s arrival will add creativity and goal threat from midfield positions.
This transfer continues the trend of Saudi Arabian clubs attracting young European talent with lucrative offers. The move will likely prompt other Saudi clubs to target similar profiles, potentially disrupting traditional transfer patterns between European leagues. The financial muscle of Saudi clubs is clearly influencing player decisions at crucial career junctures.
All parties involved are working to complete the formalities as quickly as possible. Al-Ahli’s board and coaching staff have made this signing a priority, viewing Millot as a key piece in their plans for the upcoming season. The official announcement is expected to include details about contract length and the player’s squad number for the new campaign.
