Metz's €7m sale of Alpha Touré fuels Saudi ambitions

FC Metz have agreed to transfer 20‑year‑old Senegalese midfielder Alpha Touré to Saudi Arabian side Al‑Diraiyah for a €7 million fee plus €3 million in bonuses, the French club confirmed after their relegation to Ligue 2. The 20‑year‑old, who featured in 30 Ligue 1 matches after breaking through during Metz’s promotion campaign, joined the club via the partnership with Senegal’s Génération Foot.

Touré, a Senegal youth international, has now been authorised to negotiate personal terms with Al‑Diraiyah, the Gulf‑state club. The midfielder’s agent will handle the discussions as the transfer moves forward.

Metz’s relegation to Ligue 2 has triggered a wave of departures this summer. Defender Sadibou Sané is also close to completing his exit from the French side.

Sané is set to join AS Monaco on a five‑year contract, according to reports. The deal marks another significant loss for the relegated club.

The €7 million fee for Touré, with an additional €3 million in potential bonuses, reflects Metz’s need to recoup finances after dropping to Ligue 2. The transfer underscores the club’s reliance on its partnership with Génération Foot to develop talent before selling abroad.

Luke Entwistle reported the details. Touré made his Ligue 1 debut last season following Metz’s promotion.