Dion Lopy becomes Al Ittihad’s first overseas signing of the summer

Al Ittihad have confirmed the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria on a three-year contract.

The Saudi Arabian club announced the move in a video published on its official account on X, bringing an end to speculation over the 23-year-old’s future. Lopy is now tied to Al Ittihad until 2029 and will look to establish himself in the midfield of one of the most ambitious teams in the Saudi Arabian league.

The transfer fee has not been disclosed by Al Ittihad. However, several media reports in recent days had claimed the club was prepared to pay about 13m euros (£11.2m) for the Senegal international.

The deal is expected to be paid in a number of instalments. Almeria will also reportedly retain a 10% share of any future sale of the player.

The agreement represents a significant financial gain for the Spanish club, which is set to make a substantial profit on the midfielder. Lopy had joined Almeria before moving on to the next stage of his career in Saudi Arabia.

His arrival makes him Al Ittihad’s first foreign recruit of this summer transfer window. The signing underlines the club’s intentions ahead of the new season, with Lopy’s physical presence, ability to win back possession and quality in distributing the ball identified among his key strengths.

Lopy is the latest Senegalese international to take on a new challenge abroad and will now attempt to adapt quickly to his new surroundings. His immediate target will be to secure a regular place in Al Ittihad’s midfield and contribute to the club’s domestic and continental ambitions.

The Saudi side’s decision to invest in the 23-year-old reflects its desire to strengthen during the summer market. Lopy’s profile offers Al Ittihad a midfielder capable of adding energy and defensive work in the centre of the pitch, while also helping the team begin attacks through his passing.

Although the financial details remain officially undisclosed, the reported structure of the transaction gives Almeria both an immediate return and a potential future benefit through the retained sell-on percentage.

For Lopy, the move marks an important step after his time with Almeria and gives him the opportunity to compete for honours with an Al Ittihad side determined to reinforce its squad. He will now aim to make an early impact in Saudi Arabia and play a part in the club’s plans on both the national and continental stage.