Al-Ittihad sign Almeria midfielder Dion Lopy

Al-Ittihad have officially announced their first foreign signing of the summer transfer window. The Saudi club has secured the services of 24-year-old Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish side Almeria.

According to reports from Al-Riyadiah, the deal was finalized on Wednesday. Lopy has put pen to paper on a four-year contract that runs until 2030, with a transfer fee of 13 million euros to be paid in several installments.

Lopy is expected to fill the void left by Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who departed the club following the expiration of his contract at the end of last season. Lopy primarily operates as a defensive midfielder and is set to provide additional tactical depth. Prior to joining Almeria in 2023, he played for French club Stade Reims, recording 4 goals and 6 assists in 105 appearances.

Notably, the move involves a club where Cristiano Ronaldo holds a 25% stake. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s own side, Al-Nassr, has yet to finalize a single new signing this summer.