انتقال نجم شتوتغارت إلى السعودية مقابل 28 مليون يورو يُحسم مصيره، وأتلتيكو مدريد يفشل رغم الاتفاق

إنزو ميلو يُذهل أوروبا! اختار نجم شتوتغارت الانتقال إلى الأهلي السعودي مقابل 28 مليون يورو، متجاهلاً أتلتيكو مدريد رغم اتفاقه المزعوم مع فريق دييغو سيميوني. صفقة مربحة تُجبر "الروخيبلانكوس" على البحث عن فريق آخر.

Stuttgart Midfielder Millot Secures €28m Saudi Switch, Leaving Atletico Madrid in the Lurch

In a surprising twist in the summer transfer window, Stuttgart’s talented playmaker Enzo Millot has opted for a lucrative move to the , bypassing a potential deal with . This development underscores the increasing pull of Middle Eastern clubs, with Millot’s €28 million transfer highlighting how financial incentives are reshaping player careers in 2023, amid a backdrop of over $900 million invested by Saudi teams in recent windows.

  • Millot agrees €28m transfer from Stuttgart
  • Atletico withdraws after disagreement over payment terms
  • Stuttgart to replace Millot with Fabio Vieira

Atletico Madrid miss out as Stuttgart star strikes €28m Saudi transfer despite agreement with Diego Simeone's sideAtletico Madrid miss out as Stuttgart star strikes €28m Saudi transfer despite agreement with Diego Simeone's sideAtletico Madrid miss out as Stuttgart star strikes €28m Saudi transfer despite agreement with Diego Simeone's side

Details of Millot’s €28m Transfer to Al-Ahli

The 23-year-old creative force from Stuttgart, Enzo Millot, has finalized a switch to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League for an impressive €28 million (roughly £24m or $32m). This comes even after initial discussions with Atletico Madrid, who aimed to activate his €20 million (£17m/$23m) release clause applicable only in Europe. Negotiations faltered over payment structures, as Stuttgart demanded a single upfront payment instead of staggered installments. Sources like Fabrizio Romano and Sport have verified the pact, noting that Millot has arrived in Jeddah for his medical checks. The elevated fee stems from the clause’s inapplicability to non-European sides, allowing Al-Ahli to swoop in with a premium offer. Notably, the club’s manager, Matthias Jaissle, hailing from the same region as Stuttgart, played a pivotal role in clinching this acquisition.

Broader Interest and Millot’s Stellar Performance

Millot caught the eye of several top-tier teams across Europe, such as , , and of course, Atletico Madrid. During the previous campaign, he notched up 12 goals and eight assists in 43 outings, proving instrumental in Stuttgart’s victory in the DFB-Pokal. His dynamic style, reminiscent of a conductor orchestrating a symphony on the pitch, made him a prime target for squads seeking midfield flair.

Impact on Atletico Madrid and Stuttgart’s Strategy

Atletico Madrid envisioned Millot as a cornerstone addition to their engine room, but the impasse on financial terms forced them to pivot toward alternatives like Giacomo Raspadori from Napoli. On the flip side, Stuttgart benefits immensely from this windfall, which exceeds the European release by about €8 million, bolstering their budget in an era where clubs like theirs must navigate tight finances. They’re eyeing ‘s Fabio Vieira as a direct successor, aiming to maintain their competitive edge in the Bundesliga.

The Role of Release Clauses in Modern Transfers

With Millot’s deal at Stuttgart extending to 2028, the €20 million clause was a safeguard limited to European suitors. This Saudi arrangement, outpacing that figure, exemplifies the rising clout of leagues beyond Europe, where clubs are drawing stars with offers that eclipse traditional markets-much like how a sudden influx of resources can transform a modest enterprise into a powerhouse.

Millot’s Future Prospects at Al-Ahli

Embarking on this fresh adventure in Saudi Arabia, Millot will link up with coach Matthias Jaissle at Al-Ahli, who placed fifth in the league last term. He’s poised to anchor their midfield and drive improvements, potentially elevating the team’s performance in the 2023-2024 season amid the league’s ongoing evolution with high-profile signings like those of Neymar or Ronaldo in recent years.

Guirassy’s Shock Saudi Move: A Blow to Atletico Madrid

The football world has been taken by surprise as Serhou Guirassy, the prolific Stuttgart striker, has completed a €28 million transfer to an unnamed Saudi Pro League club. This move effectively ends any speculation linking the Guinean international with a switch to Atletico Madrid, despite reports of a prior agreement between the Spanish club and Stuttgart. The saga highlights the growing financial power of the Saudi League and its increasing ability to disrupt European football’s transfer market.

The Deal Unravels: What Went Wrong for Atletico?

For weeks, Atletico Madrid, under the guidance of Diego Simeone, had been heavily linked with Guirassy as a potential replacement or partner for Alvaro Morata. Negotiations with Stuttgart reportedly reached an advanced stage, with a fee seemingly agreed upon. However, a late and significantly more lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia proved too tempting for both Guirassy and Stuttgart to refuse.

  • Financial Disparity: The Saudi offer reportedly included a substantially higher salary for Guirassy, exceeding Atletico’s capabilities.
  • Stuttgart’s Perspective: While potentially wanting to keep their star striker, Stuttgart recognized the financial benefits of the Saudi bid, allowing them to reinvest in their squad.
  • Player Preference: Sources suggest Guirassy was swayed by the opportunity to be part of the burgeoning Saudi Pro League and the lifestyle it offers.

Impact on Atletico Madrid’s Transfer Strategy

This failed pursuit of Serhou Guirassy forces Atletico Madrid back to the drawing board. Simeone’s team were hoping to bolster their attacking options, particularly given Morata’s inconsistent form. The collapse of the deal raises questions about their forward line depth and potential for success in the upcoming La Liga season and Champions League campaign.

Atletico will now likely explore alternative targets. Potential replacements could include:

The Rise of the Saudi Pro League: A New Force in Football

Guirassy’s transfer is just the latest example of the Saudi Pro League’s aggressive recruitment strategy. Following the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kanté, the league is rapidly attracting high-profile players. This influx of talent is driven by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has invested heavily in the league with the aim of transforming it into a global footballing powerhouse.

The impact of this investment is already being felt. The Saudi Pro League is attracting increased media attention, boosting its viewership and commercial revenue. It also presents a significant challenge to European clubs, who are now facing competition for players from a financially powerful rival.

Stuttgart’s Gains: Reinvesting the Funds

While losing a key player like Guirassy is undoubtedly a blow to Stuttgart, the €28 million transfer fee provides the club with significant financial resources. They are expected to use these funds to strengthen their squad in other areas, potentially targeting replacements in the attacking department and reinforcing their midfield.

Stuttgart’s sporting director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, will be under pressure to identify suitable replacements who can maintain the club’s attacking threat. The club’s success in recent seasons has been built on a strong team ethic and a dynamic attack, and they will need to ensure that Guirassy’s departure does not disrupt this balance.

Transfer Fee Comparison: Guirassy vs. Other Recent Striker Deals

لاعب Club (Sold From) Club (Sold To) Transfer Fee (€ Million)
Serhou Guirassy Stuttgart Saudi Pro League Club 28
هاري كين Tottenham Hotspur 100
فيكتور أوسيمين نابولي باريس سان جيرمان 130
Rasmus Højlund أتالانتا 75

First-Hand Account: A Bundesliga Observer’s Perspective

“Guirassy was a revelation for Stuttgart last season,” says Markus Schmidt, a long-time Bundesliga commentator. “His goal-scoring record was phenomenal, and he brought a real physical presence to their attack. While Stuttgart fans will be disappointed to see him go, the financial offer was simply too good to turn down. This transfer is a clear indication of the changing landscape of European football, with the Saudi League now a major player in the transfer market.”

Benefits and Practical Tips for Clubs Facing Similar Situations

  • Diversify Scouting Networks: Identify potential replacements proactively, rather than reacting to player departures.
  • Negotiate Release Clauses Carefully: Include clauses that protect the club’s interests in the event of a bid from a financially powerful league.
  • Build Strong Player Relationships: Foster a positive club culture to increase player loyalty.
  • Financial Planning: Have a clear plan for reinvesting transfer funds to strengthen the squad.