Al-Nassr and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement for the transfer of French defender Mohamed Simakan, but the move is not yet finalized. Simakan, who is also being courted by FC Barcelona, must still be persuaded to make the switch to the Saudi Arabian side.
With the Saudi transfer window set to close on September 2, Al-Nassr is working against the clock to wrap up its remaining transfer business.
The club, which had struggled to make significant moves early in the window, has now secured an agreement with RB Leipzig for Simakan’s transfer.
However, convincing the 24-year-old to accept the offer remains a challenge, especially with Barcelona showing interest in acquiring him.
Several media outlets have reported that while Leipzig has given the green light for the transfer, Simakan has yet to make a final decision about his next move.
Al-Nassr is prepared to pay a transfer fee of €45 million for the Frenchman, a sum agreed upon by the German club.
However, the Saudi side will need to present a compelling case to the player himself, who is weighing his options between a move to Saudi Arabia or a potential opportunity with Barcelona.
Al-Nassr’s interest in Simakan came after a failed attempt to sign Milan Skriniar.
The Saudi club is keen to bolster its defensive ranks and sees Simakan as a key addition to their squad.
However, the player’s indecision introduces an element of uncertainty as the clock ticks down to the end of the transfer window.
Simakan’s situation is complicated by Barcelona’s continued interest.
The Spanish giants are reportedly exploring their own options to bring the Frenchman to Camp Nou, which could sway his decision in their favor.
Barcelona, however, faces its own financial constraints and may struggle to match the transfer fee agreed upon by Al-Nassr and Leipzig.
Al-Nassr’s management remains hopeful that the financial package and prospects of playing in the Saudi Pro League will ultimately convince Simakan to choose their project over other suitors.
The club’s determination to sign him reflects its broader strategy of attracting top international talent to Saudi Arabia, a trend that has been accelerating in recent months.
For now, the future of Mohamed Simakan hangs in the balance, with all eyes on the defender’s final decision.
As the transfer deadline approaches, both Al-Nassr and Barcelona will be looking to secure the Frenchman’s signature, with Leipzig having already played its part in agreeing to the terms.
The next move, however, lies squarely with Simakan himself.
