Cameroonian centre-back Stéphane Keller is set to see out the remainder of the season in the Saudi Pro League after sealing a temporary move away from Cyprus.
Keller’s current club, AEL Limassol, have reached an agreement with Saudi heavyweights Al Ittihad on a loan deal that runs until the end of the campaign and includes an option to buy.
The 24-year-old defender will now take his talents to Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to bolster Al Ittihad’s defensive options during a demanding second half of the season.
Al Ittihad confirmed the arrival of the Cameroonian in a brief announcement across their official social media channels, officially welcoming him to the club.
“Stéphane Keller joins the Tigers. Loaned until the end of the season,” the Saudi Pro League side announced.
Despite the inclusion of a potential purchase clause, AEL Limassol have been keen to stress that they are not actively looking to part ways with the defender on a permanent basis.
The Cypriot club continues to value Keller highly and sees him as an important asset. However, in a move designed to support the player’s career progression, AEL have agreed to include a favorable and competitive release clause that would allow Keller to secure a permanent move should the opportunity prove right.
The switch to Al Ittihad represents another important milestone in Keller’s steadily evolving career. The Cameroonian began his professional journey with AS Fortuna in his home country before moving to Europe, where he gained experience with Spanish side Deportivo Alavés and Croatian outfit NK Istra. His performances in Cyprus have now opened the door to a fresh challenge in the Saudi top flight.
As he embarks on this new adventure in Saudi Arabia, Keller will be aiming to make a strong impression, adapt quickly to his new surroundings, and continue his upward trajectory on the international football stage.
