Roger Ibañez has put contract extension talks with Al-Ahli SC on hold, opening the door to fresh transfer interest from England. Transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that several Premier League clubs have entered the conversation, while Aston Villa have stayed in regular contact with the defender's representatives. No official bid has arrived, though, and discussions remain at an exploratory stage.
That detail matters. Ibañez now has one year left on his contract, leaving Al-Ahli in a far weaker negotiating position than they expected only a few months ago. Villa's recruitment staff appear happy to gather information before deciding whether the situation deserves a formal approach.
Emery's side aren't working against the clock either. They know the player is available, yet they haven't rushed into talks with the Saudi club. Instead, they've kept communication open with his camp while monitoring how negotiations with Al-Ahli develop.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 29: Roger Ibañez #24 of Brazil takes the field during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Brazil and **** an at Houston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Few defenders in Saudi Arabia produced a stronger campaign. During the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season, Ibañez played 28 league matches, scored twice, supplied two **** ists and completed 106 clearances alongside 26 interceptions. He finished with an impressive 85% passing accuracy across 2,426 league minutes, although his aggressive style brought three yellow cards and two red cards.
#league #ahli #Brazil #contract
That detail matters. Ibañez now has one year left on his contract, leaving Al-Ahli in a far weaker negotiating position than they expected only a few months ago. Villa's recruitment staff appear happy to gather information before deciding whether the situation deserves a formal approach.
Emery's side aren't working against the clock either. They know the player is available, yet they haven't rushed into talks with the Saudi club. Instead, they've kept communication open with his camp while monitoring how negotiations with Al-Ahli develop.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 29: Roger Ibañez #24 of Brazil takes the field during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Brazil and **** an at Houston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Few defenders in Saudi Arabia produced a stronger campaign. During the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season, Ibañez played 28 league matches, scored twice, supplied two **** ists and completed 106 clearances alongside 26 interceptions. He finished with an impressive 85% passing accuracy across 2,426 league minutes, although his aggressive style brought three yellow cards and two red cards.
#league #ahli #Brazil #contract
21 hours ago
