Al Ittihad Complete Signing Of Jan-Carlo Simic From Anderlecht

Al Ittihad have signed young Serbian defender Jan-Carlo Simić from Anderlecht in a deal worth more than €20 million. Simić agreed to a four-year contract and will be part of the Saudi club’s squad until June 2029.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Al Ittihad made a late move for Simić, beating out interest from other clubs including Lazio. The deal, according to 90min, includes a transfer fee of over €20 million, with payments structured in installments and potential add-ons. Anderlecht must pay €4 million to AC Milan due to a sell-on clause, as Milan sold Simić to the Belgian club just last year. Simić is expected to join Al Ittihad immediately after passing his medical, making him one of the most expensive defensive signings for the club. He played 53 matches for Anderlecht last season, scoring 4 goals and making 2 assists, helping the team finish third in the Belgian Pro League, just three points behind Club Brugge and well behind champions USG.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This signing shows Al Ittihad’s ongoing commitment to building a strong squad filled with young international talent. Simić, previously seen as a future star at AC Milan and targeted by Lazio before their transfer ban, joins a project aiming for domestic and Asian Champions League glory. Last season, Al Ittihad finished as winners in the Saudi Pro League, well ahead of Al Hilal and Al Nassr the two favourites at the beginning of the season, underlining their ambitions to close the gap and return to the top of Saudi football. Simić’s performances at Anderlecht raised his market value, and his arrival signals Al Ittihad’s intent to compete with rivals like Al Nassr and Al Hilal, who are also investing heavily in their squads.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CLUB AND PLAYER?

Jan-Carlo Simić will be available for Al Ittihad’s next match against Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Al Ittihad currently sit in seventh place, seven points off fourth and only two ahead of eighth-placed Al Fateh. The upcoming games will be crucial as the club tries to climb back into the AFC Champions League qualification places. Simić’s move closes a major gap in defence and gives Al Ittihad a talented option for both league and continental tournaments. With his youth and experience, expectations are high for him to become a key figure in the club’s rebuilding strategy.