Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez has decided to continue with Al-Ahli despite receiving an offer from Aston Villa, giving the Saudi club a significant boost ahead of the new season.
According to trusted journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Ibanez has turned down the proposal from the English club and made clear that he wants to remain with Al-Ahli rather than leave during the current period.
The decision comes after Aston Villa showed an interest in signing the Brazil international, whose future had become a subject of discussion within Al-Ahli. European clubs had been monitoring the defender, who is regarded as one of the team’s most important players in the defensive line.
Al-Ahli’s management did not simply wait for Ibanez to make his choice. The club worked to secure his continuation by increasing the salary offered in a new proposal, in an effort to persuade him to extend his time with the team.
Ibanez’s decision is considered particularly valuable because of the contribution he makes to Al-Ahli’s defence. He offers physical strength and the ability to operate in more than one position across the back line, making his retention an important gain for the club before the start of the new campaign.
By choosing to stay, Ibanez appears to have committed himself to Al-Ahli’s project instead of pursuing a new challenge in the English league. His decision closes the door, at least for now, on one of the most prominent offers he received during the current transfer period.
The development also comes as Al-Ahli seeks to preserve the key components of its squad following a summer of considerable change. Keeping Ibanez sends a clear message that the club remains capable of retaining its leading players despite interest from Europe.
The Brazilian’s future had attracted attention as Al-Ahli prepared for the new season, with the club keen to avoid losing a central figure from its defensive structure. The improved financial proposal ultimately formed part of the effort to convince him that continuing with the Saudi side was the right option.
Ibanez will therefore remain part of the Al-Ahli squad as the club moves forward with its plans. His choice provides stability in defence at a time when the team is adapting to several changes and attempting to maintain the strength of its core group.
The decision follows the departure of former Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle, who left the club a few days ago to take charge of English side Newcastle United. His move brought further change to Al-Ahli, but Ibanez’s decision offers the club a positive development as it prepares for the season ahead.
