Al-Ittihad have begun their foreign recruitment for the current summer transfer window by agreeing a deal for Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy, who plays for Spanish club Almeria.
Lopy signed his contract with Al-Ittihad on Wednesday, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah. The 24-year-old has agreed a four-year contract that will run until 2030.
The transfer is worth €13m, with Al-Ittihad set to pay the fee in several instalments.
The midfielder becomes the Saudi club’s first new foreign signing of the summer. Al-Ittihad had already made the permanent signing of Cameroonian defender Stefan Keller, who had spent time at the club on loan from Cypriot side Limassol, after activating the purchase option in his agreement.
Lopy’s arrival is expected to strengthen Al-Ittihad’s midfield following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract ended after the conclusion of last season. The Senegal international primarily operates as a defensive midfielder but can also play in a holding midfield role, giving the team greater flexibility in the centre of the pitch.
The move has also attracted attention because of the links involving Cristiano Ronaldo and the Saudi clubs. Al-Ittihad’s first foreign signing has come from the club in which Ronaldo owns a 25% stake, while Ronaldo’s club, Al-Nassr, have yet to complete a summer signing.
Lopy has been with Almeria since 2023, when he joined the Spanish club from French side Stade de Reims. During his time at Almeria, he has made 105 appearances, scoring four goals and providing six assists.
His defensive qualities and ability to cover more than one central midfield position were key factors behind the decision to bring him to Jeddah. The deal is also the first clear step in Al-Ittihad’s reshaping of their foreign-player contingent ahead of the new campaign.
The Saudi club will now look to build on the agreement as it continues its summer transfer business. Lopy’s contract, which extends through 2030, makes him a long-term addition to the squad and places him in line to fill the role previously occupied by Fabinho.
For Almeria, the sale brings an end to the Senegalese midfielder’s spell at the club after three seasons. For Al-Ittihad, it represents the beginning of their foreign recruitment this summer and provides a replacement for a player who left when his deal expired at the end of the previous season.
