Espanyol in talks to sign Al Ittihad defender Jan-Carlo Simic on permanent or loan deal

Espanyol have opened negotiations with Al Ittihad over a move for Serbian defender Jan-Carlo Simic, according to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah.

The Spanish club are discussing both a permanent transfer and a potential loan agreement with Al Ittihad as they look to strengthen their back line.

Talks are taking place against the backdrop of a wider reshaping of Al Ittihad’s squad ahead of the new season, with the Jeddah club working to reduce the number of foreign players in line with the needs of the coaching staff.

Al Ittihad’s discussions with Espanyol are also contingent on Simic’s approval of the move should the two clubs reach a full agreement on the terms of his transfer.

Ittihad restructuring foreign quota

The Saudi Pro League side are currently overhauling their first-team group in preparation for next season’s competitions, focusing on trimming their overseas contingent and retaining only those players deemed essential by the technical staff.

As part of that process, the club hierarchy is reviewing the squad list and deciding which players will be registered for the coming campaign and which could be allowed to leave.

That restructuring has helped open the door to Espanyol’s approach for Simic, with the Spanish club keen to take advantage if Al Ittihad are willing to sanction his departure.

Simic’s role since joining Al Ittihad

Al Ittihad strengthened both their senior defence and their under-21 set-up by signing Simic last summer on a contract running until the end of the 2028-29 season.

Since arriving in Jeddah, the centre-back has made 15 appearances in all competitions, accumulating a total of 1,166 minutes on the pitch.

During that time he has received two yellow cards and is yet to register a goal or an assist for the club.

Simic’s future will now depend on the outcome of negotiations between Al Ittihad and Espanyol, and on whether the player is prepared to make the move to Spain if a deal is finalised.