Al-Ittihad’s Leandro Barreiro pursuit runs into Benfica resistance

Al-Ittihad’s attempt to sign Benfica midfielder Leandro Barreiro has been rejected, despite the Saudi Pro League club being prepared to offer €15m for the Luxembourg international.

The Saudi club is continuing to look for midfield reinforcements before the registration deadline, with manager Jens Wissing seeking additional options capable of strengthening his squad for the next stage of the season.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Al-Ittihad contacted Benfica to ask about the possibility of signing Barreiro. However, their approach did not lead to an agreement, with Benfica refusing the proposal.

“Al-Ittihad presented an offer to sign Leandro Barreiro, but the offer was rejected,” Record reported on Monday.

The newspaper added that Al-Ittihad had been ready to pay €15m for the midfielder, who has established himself as a regular starter at the beginning of this season.

“It remains to be seen whether (Al-Ittihad) will try again,” Record said.

Barreiro’s position at Benfica, together with the club’s decision to reject the initial proposal, means any further move would depend on whether Al-Ittihad return with another approach before the registration window closes.

The midfielder is an established Luxembourg international and has been part of Benfica’s starting line-up during the early weeks of the campaign. His involvement has contributed to the Saudi club’s interest as Wissing looks to add further depth and alternatives in central midfield.

Wissing has a previous connection with Benfica through Roger Schmidt, the Portuguese club’s former manager. The Al-Ittihad head coach was once an assistant to Schmidt, who was involved in bringing Barreiro to Benfica.

That relationship appears to have helped create a direct link between the coach and the player, but it has not persuaded Benfica to make the midfielder available on the terms proposed by Al-Ittihad.

Record concluded: “Al-Ittihad manager Jens Wissing wants to sign the Benfica midfielder, but the Portuguese club’s board, led by Rui Costa, will not make his departure easy.”

The latest approach therefore leaves Barreiro at Benfica for the time being, with Al-Ittihad facing the decision over whether to increase their offer or end their pursuit. No second proposal has been confirmed, but the possibility remains that the Saudi club could attempt to reopen negotiations before the registration deadline.

Benfica’s stance is clear after the first bid: the Portuguese club has rejected the €15m offer and does not intend to facilitate Barreiro’s exit. Any further developments will depend on Al-Ittihad’s next move and whether they are willing to return with a new proposal for the Luxembourg midfielder.