Al Ittihad Secure Jan-Carlo Simić in Major Defensive Signing from Anderlecht

IKEJA, Nigeria - Sept. 11, 2025 - PRLog -- Saudi Pro League powerhouses Al Ittihad have pulled off a significant transfer, securing the services of 20-year-old Serbian centre-back Jan-Carlo Simić from Belgian side RSC Anderlecht. The deal, announced in early September 2025, is reported to be worth over €20 million, including incentives.

Simić joins Al Ittihad initially on loan for one season, with a mandatory purchase option set for July 2026, when the deal will become permanent. His contract is expected to run through to June 2029, underlining the club's long-term faith in the young defender.

The centre back's journey has moved rapidly in recent years. Born in Nürtingen, Germany, to Serbian parents, he came through youth setups at SV Hegnach, Stuttgarter Kickers and VfB Stuttgart before moving to AC Milan in 2022. At Milan, he featured in the Primavera side and earned occasional senior team appearances, including scoring in Serie A on his debut.

Anderlecht acquired him from AC Milan in July 2024 for around €3 million, and Milan retained 20% sell-on rights on any future transfer profit. For Al Ittihad, the signing represents part of a clear pattern of investing in promising young talent from Europe's mid-tier and top-flight leagues, to strengthen their squad depth and compete at both domestic and continental levels. For Simić it is a leap into one of the most ambitious sides in Saudi Arabia, offering both financial reward and a chance to establish himself as a key defensive figure.

He arrives with high expectations: to shore up Ittihad's defensive line, adapt to a new footballing environment, and continue his upward trajectory. Whether he meets those expectations remains to be seen, but the pathway is now well paved.

Bring your winnings to reality now with iLOTBet (https://www.ilotbet.com/?op=register&c=Fbsig) by clicking on this link www.ilotbet.com to bet with one of the biggest sports betting companies in Nigeria.