Al-Ittihad have moved decisively in the transfer market, outbidding Saudi rival Al-Diriyah to secure Portuguese midfielder Pedro Gonçalves from Sporting Lisbon. The Saudi club's €30 million offer has transformed a protracted negotiation into a done deal, with agent Jorge Mendes facilitating discussions between the two parties. Sources indicate an announcement could arrive within days as final paperwork progresses.
How Al-Ittihad Won the Battle
Gonçalves had been pursued by newly promoted Al-Diriyah in recent weeks, but Al-Ittihad hijacked the transfer in the final hours with an aggressive bid that exceeded Sporting's expectations. The Portuguese club had valued their attacking midfielder at €20–25 million, making Al-Ittihad's €30 million offer a significant upgrade that proved too lucrative to refuse.
The midfielder's reduced playing time in Sporting's recent Copa da Liga match against Monaco suggested his departure was imminent. Despite signing a contract extension through 2030 last October, a verbal agreement with Sporting's board permitted him to leave if a suitable offer materialized—crucially, without triggering his €80 million release clause. This flexibility enabled negotiations to accelerate rapidly once Al-Ittihad entered the picture.
A Star's Journey at Alvalade
Gonçalves joined Sporting in 2020 from Famalicão for €6.5 million and quickly became integral to the club's midfield. Across four seasons, he delivered 239 appearances in all competitions, contributing 97 goals and 56 assists. His dual threat as both creator and finisher established him as one of Portugal's Primeira Liga elite, attracting interest across Europe and the Middle East.
The deal marks another significant move in the Saudi league's summer transfer window, strengthening Al-Ittihad's squad as they compete for domestic and continental honors. Gonçalves' attacking prowess and proven record in Europe's top leagues will enhance their ambitions.
