Gonçalo Guedes is in talks over a move to the Middle East after being part of Portugal's 2026 World Cup squad. The 29-year-old forward is a target for UAE side Al Wahda.
Discussions are ongoing between the Asian club and Real Sociedad, where Guedes is currently under contract. The main attraction of the deal is the substantial salary on offer. The player is considering the proposal, which would see him join several other Portugal internationals already playing in the region.
Who else plays in the Middle East?
If the transfer goes through, Gonçalo Guedes will join a notable list of Seleção players who have chosen Middle Eastern football. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, Samu Costa, Rúben Neves and Francisco Trincão all ply their trade. Each of them, like Guedes, was called up by Roberto Martínez for the 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This migration of Portuguese talent is a recent phenomenon impacting the makeup of our national squad. The international experience of these players remains an asset, even while competing outside Europe's top leagues. Their physical condition and competitive rhythm are closely monitored by the national team staff.
How did Guedes perform last season?
During the 2025/26 season with Real Sociedad, Gonçalo Guedes posted solid numbers. The winger or forward, known for his versatility, scored nine goals and provided nine assists in 39 appearances across all competitions. This form earned him the manager's trust for a place in the 26-man squad that represented Portugal at the global tournament.
However, during Portugal's 2026 World Cup campaign, Guedes did not see any playing time. He was an unused substitute throughout Portugal's run, which ended in the semi-finals with a 2-1 defeat to Argentina. You can review the full details of that campaign on our stats page.
What does this move mean?
A transfer to Al Wahda would represent a new chapter in Gonçalo Guedes's career. The club, based in Abu Dhabi, competes in the UAE Pro League and has ambitions to win domestic silverware. The style of play and competitive calendar of the Emirati league are factors the player will have to weigh.
For the Portugal national team, the key is for Guedes to maintain a high performance level and match sharpness. The next major tournament for which Portugal qualified automatically as host is UEFA Euro 2028. Selections for the upcoming UEFA Nations League group stage matches, whose schedule is on our fixtures page, will be a first indicator of his standing in Martínez's plans.
Gonçalo Guedes's immediate future will be decided in the coming weeks. The negotiations between clubs and the player's final decision are the remaining steps. Regardless of the outcome, his career path continues to be followed with interest in Portugal.
