Al Ittihad Secures Young Serbian Defender Jan-Carlo Simić in €21m Deal

In a significant move for the Saudi Pro League, Al Ittihad has officially signed 20-year-old Serbian centre-back Jan-Carlo Simić from Anderlecht for a €21 million package, as confirmed on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The transfer, finalized with a four-year contract, underscores the club’s strategy to bolster its squad with youthful talent, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification goals.

Simić, a former AC Milan youth product, joins Al Ittihad after a stint at Anderlecht, where he made 53 appearances and scored four goals. The deal, which includes a mandatory purchase clause following an initial loan structure, reportedly offers Simić an annual salary of €6 million. Transfermarkt data values him at €8 million, suggesting a substantial investment in his potential, a trend increasingly seen in the league’s aggressive market approach.

This signing follows the league’s recent high-profile acquisitions, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, reflecting a shift in global football dynamics. The Saudi Pro League’s financial muscle, backed by the Public Investment Fund, continues to challenge European dominance, with a 2024 Journal of Sports Economics study noting a 35% rise in transfer fees to Middle Eastern clubs. Al Ittihad aims to blend Simić’s promise with veteran experience to strengthen its competitive edge.