Yannick Carrasco‘s recent departure from Atletico Madrid has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. The Belgian winger has made a pit stop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, en route to joining the Belgian national team, where he will undergo a thorough medical examination before finalizing his three-year deal with Al Shabab, according to Marca. This transfer, once officially announced, will mark a significant milestone in Carrasco’s career.
Having bid farewell to his teammates and club staff on Friday, Carrasco expressed his desire to accept Al Shabab’s offer, with no intention of returning. However, the completion of the transfer is still pending the formal signing of all documents, although it is expected to be announced before the market closes in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
Initially, Atletico Madrid resisted negotiations for Carrasco and the approximately €15 million offer from Al Shabab. However, they ultimately acquiesced to the player’s wishes, recognizing that this was a unique opportunity for him to secure one last lucrative contract at the age of 30, with an annual salary of €13 million.
The situation at Atletico Madrid was further complicated by the expiration of Carrasco’s contract in June, which the club failed to extend due to disagreements. In January, a buyback option was signed with Barcelona for €19 million, but it expired this summer. Consequently, Atletico lacked the leverage they enjoyed with other players, as Carrasco’s release clause stood at €60 million.
As Carrasco prepares to represent Belgium in their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Estonia, he will already be a new player for Al Shabab, joining the Saudi Arabian club after the conclusion of the national team’s training camp. This move leaves Diego Simeone without one of his most influential players, highlighting the impact Carrasco had under his guidance.
The transfer of Yannick Carrasco to Al Shabab represents a turning point in his career. The winger’s decision to embark on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia demonstrates his ambition and determination to reach new heights. Al Shabab, on the other hand, is acquiring a talented and experienced player who will undoubtedly contribute significantly to their future success.
This transfer saga serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of football, where players seek new challenges and clubs adapt to the evolving market dynamics. Yannick Carrasco’s move to Al Shabab will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as they assess the impact of this decision on his career trajectory.
📹الجلاد وصل🛬#Carrasco #الشباب pic.twitter.com/j0jJMCKuI0
— ابوبدر الشبابي🇸🇦 (@shbabe12) September 4, 2023
Keywords: Yannick Carrasco, Al Shabab, Atletico Madrid, transfer, medical examination, contract, Saudi Arabia, career-defining, Euro 2024 qualifiers, Diego Simeone, football, player ambitions, market dynamics.
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