Midfielder Matheus Gonçalves took to social media to vent after Al-Ahli rejected the proposals from Botafogo and Vasco to sign him. "Once again, it's impossible to understand," the player wrote. The intention of both Brazilian clubs was to sign the player on loan with an option to buy.
Matheus Gonçalves's desire was to return to Brazilian football in search of more minutes on the field, as he has been little used at Al-Ahli. Since the start of the season, the Saudi Arabia club has played eight matches, but the player was called upon in only two games, both in the second half.
Altogether, Matheus Gonçalves has only accumulated 38 minutes on the field this season, with no goal contributions. Despite being physically fit, he has not been utilized due to the foreign player limit allowed at Al-Ahli, according to people close to the player.
Amid changes in the board of directors, Al-Ahli is going through an unstable phase in the Saudi league, with three wins and three losses. The Arab club is experiencing a turbulent moment that hindered the negotiation with the Brazilian clubs.
