According to Goal, Saudi journalist Faraj revealed a behind-the-scenes dispute between Al-Ahli Jeddah and Italian transfer journalist Romano.

Faraj stated on the show "Rota Sport with Waleed": "Al-Ahli Jeddah does have some problems, but the negativity and pressure the club has endured recently are terrifying."

He then cited Romano as an example, saying the transfer journalist had previously reported that Al-Ahli Jeddah signed Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Bondarenko for a fixed transfer fee of 18 million euros, plus 1 million euros in add-ons.

Faraj stated that the actual transfer fee for this deal was only 6 million euros, plus 1 million euros in add-ons, so Romano deleted his previous news.

Faraj said, "Al-Ahli Jeddah threatened him that if he didn't delete it, they would issue a statement refuting his report, so he got scared and then deleted that news. This person (Romano) is one of the main tools used to put pressure on clubs – they do it through agents, and by cooperating with some foreign directors and individuals within Saudi clubs."

Currently, Al-Ahli Jeddah is close to signing Bondarenko. If the deal is completed, the Ukrainian midfielder will fill the void left by Kessié. The Ivorian midfielder previously left as a free agent after his contract expired.

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