Jawad El Yamiq has completed a free transfer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Najma SC to Spanish club Real Zaragoza, returning to LaLiga2 on a deal running from 2026-02-02 to 2027-06-30. The Morocco international centre-back arrives with a listed market value of €1.00m and rejoins a club where he previously spent time on loan earlier in his career.
The move sees the 33-year-old defender leave Saudi football after spells with Al-Wehda FC and, most recently, Al-Najma. Having joined Al-Najma from Al-Wehda ahead of the 2025–26 campaign, El Yamiq now switches back to Spain, where Zaragoza compete in the LaLiga2. The transfer has been completed without a fee, with Al-Najma allowing the player to depart at the end of his stint there.
El Yamiq’s switch marks another chapter in a well-travelled career across Morocco, Italy, Saudi Arabia and Spain. Born in Khouribga, he progressed from Olympique Khouribga’s reserve side to the first team before earning a move to Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic. His performances there, and his development into a commanding centre-back, led to a transfer to Serie A outfit Genoa CFC, introducing him to top-flight European football.
From Genoa, El Yamiq experienced both Italian and Spanish football in quick succession. A loan spell at AC Perugia in Serie B added further European minutes, before Genoa sent him to Real Zaragoza on loan, giving him his first taste of Spanish football. That period was followed by a permanent move to Real Valladolid CF, where his market value climbed as high as €2.00m during his time in LaLiga and LaLiga2.
His later move to Al-Wehda FC opened a new phase in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League, where his value remained in the mid-seven-figure range before gradually declining as he moved into his thirties. A transfer to Al-Najma then preceded his latest return to Europe, with his valuation recorded at €1.00m shortly before the confirmed free transfer back to Zaragoza.
At international level, El Yamiq represents Morocco, strengthening Real Zaragoza’s defensive unit with experience from major leagues and international competition. Standing 1.93 metres tall and operating primarily as a right-footed centre-back, he offers aerial strength, physical presence, and familiarity with the tactical demands of both European and Middle Eastern football.
With his contract now in place until 2027-06-30, there is also a clear long-term implication for his status beyond that date: depending on club decisions and performance, El Yamiq could face the possibility of becoming a free agent again when this new deal expires. For now, though, the focus will be on how effectively he can reinforce Zaragoza’s back line in LaLiga2 and whether this latest return to Spain can extend his career at a competitive level in European football.
