Al Ittihad Agree €20m Deal to Sign Jan Carlo Simic from Anderlecht

Al Ittihad have reached a verbal agreement to sign Jan Carlo Simic as their new centre-back. The Serbian defender will join the Saudi side on a four-year contract, with the transfer package close to €20 million including add-ons.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Al Ittihad recently entered negotiations with Anderlecht to sign Jan Carlo Simic, who only joined the Belgian club from AC Milan in July 2024. Sources say a four-year deal has been agreed in principle, with only final paperwork left. The total fee approaches €20 million, a major boost for Anderlecht after spending just €3 million to sign Simic less than two months ago. Simic played for Milan, scoring in his Serie A debut in December 2023, before switching to Anderlecht where he quickly became the starting centre-back.

SIMIC AND HIS SEASON SO FAR

This season, Simic featured two times for Anderlecht in the Pro League, conceding four goals and recording zero clean sheets. His stats show he completed 85 passes at an 84.2% accuracy, won 3 tackles out of 4, and won nearly 59% of his duels. Despite a tough start for Anderlecht, who are struggling in mid-table, Simic showed promise with solid defensive contributions and composure in possession. Anderlecht currently sit 10th in the Belgian Pro League, eight points behind fifth-placed Gent and three above relegation-threatened Eupen.

WHAT NEXT FOR AL ITTIHAD AND ANDERLECHT?

Al Ittihad will add Simic to strengthen their defence after conceding five goals in their first three league matches, leaving them in 7th place in the Saudi Pro League and five points behind leaders Al Hilal. They face Al Fateh next, who are one spot above them and just two points away. Meanwhile, according to a previous update, Al Ittihad finished as winners in the Saudi Pro League last year, highlighting their ambition to compete for the title and continental trophies. Anderlecht, on the other hand, must quickly find a replacement before their next home clash versus Cercle Brugge, who sit two spots higher in 8th. The move marks Al Ittihad’s ambition to compete for the title and continental trophies, while Anderlecht benefit with significant financial gain after just two months with Simic.