Luiz Felipe is all set to sign for Al Ittihad from Real Betis. The centre-back will become the latest addition for the Saudi club this summer, completing the deal on deadline day. Several Premier League clubs including West Ham United were interested in signing the defender this summer, but the Spanish side stuck to their asking price of around €15 million which wasn’t met.

Al Ittihad will pay a fee worth €25 million for the player including add-ons, almost double their original price. The defender is already in Saudi Arabia and has completed the medical tests and formalities for the move to be completed.

Luiz Felipe to sign for Al Ittihad from Real Betis

The centre-back has been with Real Betis since last summer, after joining them on a free transfer from Lazio. He came through the Ituano academy in Brazil before making the move to Lazio in 2016. After one season on loan with Salernitana, he returned and spent five years with the first team.

Now, he joins a growing list of players to sign for Saudi PIF funded clubs. Al Ittihad have already signed Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and Jota to bolster their squad. And now, they will be reinforcing their defence with a top defender from La Liga.

Luiz Felipe only made one appearance for the Italy national team, and it now remains to be seen whether he will get a call up while playing in the Saudi Pro League.