Al-Ittihad sign Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Almeria

Al-Ittihad have announced the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Almeria, making him their first new foreign signing of the summer transfer window.

The Saudi club confirmed the move in a video published on its official account on X. Lopy has signed a three-year contract that will run until 2029.

Al-Ittihad did not disclose the financial terms of the transfer. However, previous reports said the club would pay Almeria 13m euros in several instalments, with the Spanish side also entitled to 10% of any future sale fee for the player.

Lopy’s arrival marks the first addition of a new overseas player to Al-Ittihad’s squad during this summer’s window. The club had already activated the purchase option in the contract of Cameroonian defender Stefan Keller, who had been on loan from Cypriot club Limassol.

The Senegal international is expected to fill the space left by Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season and who subsequently departed the club.

Lopy, 24, is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also operate in a deeper central midfield role. His ability to play in both positions gives Al-Ittihad additional options in the middle of the pitch as they prepare for the new campaign.

He joined Almeria in 2023 after moving from Stade de Reims. Since then, Lopy has made 105 appearances for the Spanish club, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

At international level, Lopy has represented Senegal since 2023. He has won five caps, although he has yet to score or register an assist for his country.

The midfielder was also not called up to take part in either the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup during the current year.

Al-Ittihad’s decision to recruit Lopy follows a significant change in their midfield options after Fabinho’s departure. The Saudi club will hope the Senegalese player can provide defensive coverage and central midfield balance, while also strengthening the squad’s depth in those positions.

The transfer is the latest step in the club’s summer recruitment plans, with Lopy becoming the first newly signed foreign player to join Al-Ittihad for the current window. His previous experience in Spanish football, combined with his international involvement for Senegal, will now form part of the club’s midfield plans through to 2029.