Espanyol on the verge of making a new signing

RCD Espanyol

The move has gathered pace in recent days. The perico club has already taken significant steps with the senior international with Serbia, a 21-year-old player who fits the sporting department's idea for the present, as well as for projection and room for growth.

The formula being negotiated involves a loan with a non-mandatory option to buy. It is a scenario that suits both the Espanyol and Al-Ittihad, which is willing to facilitate the exit of a player who does not fit into the plans of Jens Wissing, the new coach of the Saudi side.

A deal with pending loose ends

Al-Ittihad went for Simi? last summer, when they brought him in from Anderlecht on a loan worth six million euros. The deal included a mandatory option to buy of 15 million, which was triggered on 30 June, but the club's change in sporting direction has opened the door to a departure.

In Saudi Arabia, they believe a return to Europe could help the defender regain prominence and increase his value. Espanyol, keeping a close eye on the situation, has moved quickly in an attempt to get ahead of other teams interested in the player.

Monchi is not looking for a lesser profile for the heart of the defence. The blanquiazul priority is to bring in players of quality, and Jan-Carlo Simi? stands out as a piece who can operate both as a centre-back and at full-back, while also already having international experience with Serbia despite his youth.

His career path also helps explain the interest he has sparked. Trained in the Stuttgart academy, he went on to the AC Milan and then completed his consolidation at Anderlecht, where his performances caught the attention of several Premier League clubs before accepting Al-Ittihad's financial offer.

Espanyol has proposed taking on the loan and covering part of the player's wages. Simi? himself would also be willing to make a financial effort to help the agreement go through.

The latest details focus above all on tax matters, a point that has slowed the talks over the past few weeks. Even so, at the club they maintain optimism and believe the deal could be closed during the month of August.