Al-Ittihad intensifying efforts to sign Joao Moutinho

Newly-crowned Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad could soon add to their growing European contingent after landing two French stars this summer.

Following Karim Benzema’s blockbuster arrival from Real Madrid, the Saudi giants have dispatched emissaries to London to finalise the deal for N’Golo Kante’s move from Chelsea.

But their shopping spree in the Premier League doesn’t end there.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Al-Ittihad boss Nuno Espirito Santo has specifically requested the acquisition of long-serving Wolverhampton Wanderers stalwart Joao Moutinho.

The 36-year-old is Santo’s midfield priority alongside Kante, as the pair worked together at Molineux Stadium for three years before the 49-year-old manager left the helm at the end of the 2020/21 season.

Mourinho’s contract in the West Midlands runs out at the end of June, and the Portuguese boss hopes to lure his compatriot to the Middle East with a lucrative contract.

He joined Wolves from Monaco after the club secured Premier League promotion in 2018, becoming one of the club’s most significant figures on and off the field over the past five years.

During his five-year stint at Molineux, Moutinho tallied five goals and 25 assists in 212 appearances for Wolverhampton, growing into a fan favourite in the West Midlands.

But despite his importance in the locker room, the Wanderers won’t extend his expiring contract, mainly due to his age.

Wolves issued a statement on their official website last week thanking Moutinho for his contribution to establishing the club as regular top-flight tenants.

Now it’s time for Moutinho to open the final chapter of his outstanding playing career.

The opportunity to share the dressing room with his prominent peers, such as Benzema and Kante, sounds too good to pass on, especially with Santo in the dugout.

His potential switch to Al-Ittihad would bode well for Saudi Arabia’s promise to bring numerous European stars to the country in the coming months.