Al-Ittihad signed Pereira & Bergwijn – Porto laments failed Galeno transfer

FC Porto files complaint

Al-Ittihad has completed two notable new signings in Danilo Pereira (32) and Steven Bergwijn (26) on deadline day in Saudi Arabia, and has increased its transfer spending to almost 123 million euros. Offensive player Bergwijn is coming from Ajax for a confirmed 21 million euros, while defensive midfielder Pereira is joining from Paris and is expected to win 5 million euros. The club of coach Laurent Blanc and captain Karim Benzema (36) also suffered a severe setback: the signing of Porto’s left winger Galeno fell through in the final stages. An official confirmation from Al-Ittihad was not forthcoming on Monday evening and overnight.

FC Porto explained this in a statement and provided information about the background to the failed deal. “Regarding the failed transfer of Galeno to Al-Ittihad, FC Porto announces that it will send a message to the chairman of the aforementioned club and to the chairman of the Saudi Arabian League, expressing its deep displeasure at the manner in which the process was carried out and then stopped after a full agreement had been reached between the clubs and the player,” it said. No further details were given. FC Porto is pleased to welcome attacker Galeno back into its ranks.

The 26-year-old Brazilian was supposed to cost 50 million euros and receive a five-year contract with the 2023 Saudi champions, with only the medical check still pending. Galeno scored 28 goals in 48 appearances for FC Porto in 2023/24 and continued his performances seamlessly with five new goals in the first five games of the season.

Defensive player Pereira was dropped by PSG coach Luis Enrique and was looking for a way out of Paris. Last season, Pereira played 34 games (one goal) as vice-captain.

Striker Bergwijn has been playing for his former youth club in Amsterdam again since 2022 and has scored 29 goals and twelve assists in 80 competitive matches for the Dutch. Alex Kroes, Technical Director at Ajax, said: “Steven and Ajax have made no secret of the fact that if a good offer came from abroad, he would make the move.” This has now happened at the last minute and gives the club the financial leeway it needs to hopefully bring in a suitable replacement at short notice. We wish our captain from last season every success for the next phase of his career.” Kamaldeen Sulemana (22) was discussed as a replacement on loan from Southampton FC, but confirmation was delayed on Dutch deadline day.