Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr has completed the €45m signing of French RB Leipzig centre-back Mohamed Simakan (24), both clubs have announced. Simakan had been a target for FC Barcelona but the Catalan club have been warded off in their attempt to sign the former France U21 international after Leipzig revealed that they would not accept anything lower than €50 million – a price considered too steep with Barcelona’s current financial situation. It appears the Red Bull-owned Bundesliga has softened the stance since they agreed on a €45m transfer fee with Al-Nassr. Simakan will wear the #3 jersey for the Riyadh-based club.
Simakan may form an all-French-speaking partnership at the back alongside France-born Spain international Aymeric Laporte. The Racing Club de Strasbourg academy graduate has reportedly put pen to paper over a five-year contract worth in total €110m.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
