Brazilian Roger Ibañez has handed Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia a welcome surprise over his future, settling his position on the English offer he had received in recent weeks and giving "Al-Raqi" a strong boost before the new season.
According to reliable journalistSacha Tavolieri, Ibañez turned down an offer from Aston Villa. He wants to stay at Al-Ahli and has no intention of leaving.
That stance comes despite Aston Villa's interest in signing him, with the defender's future a hot topic in the corridors of Al-Ahli as European clubs circled one of the most prominent members of the backline.
Read also: Waleed Al-Farraj's prophecy comes true and the scene ignites at the Saudi federation!
Al-Ahli's management refused to sit and wait for the verdict. They moved to secure his stay, raising the salary in a new proposal to convince him to continue with the team.
Ibañez matters to Al-Ahli. His physical strength and his ability to play in more than one position across the backline make keeping him a major gain before the campaign begins.
By making this call, the Brazilian has chosen to press on with his Al-Ahli project rather than chase a fresh challenge in the English league, closing the door on one of the biggest offers of his current transfer window.
The move lands as Al-Ahli fight to keep the spine of their squad intact after a summer of upheaval. Retaining Ibañez sends a clear message that "Al-Raqi" can still hold on to their stars in the face of European interest.
Former Al-Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle, meanwhile, left Al-Raqi a few days ago to join Newcastle United.