Pedro Gonçalves to join Saudi Al Ittihad in €30 million deal

Portuguese midfielder Pedro Gonçalves, known as “Pote”, is poised to leave Sporting Clube de Portugal after Al Ittihad FC re‑entered the transfer race with a bid that could rise to €30 million, including bonuses. The offer exceeds Sporting’s earlier valuation of €20‑25 million and is being negotiated by the player’s agent Jorge Mendes. Gonçalves recently bid farewell to Sporting fans in a match against Monaco before the transfer, which is expected to be finalised shortly.

Al Ittihad is controlled 75 percent by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which works closely with the Saudi Ministry of Sport on such acquisitions. Sporting originally paid €6.5 million for 60 percent of Gonçalves’ rights and later added €7 million, bringing its total investment to €13.5 million. The club retains a 10 percent future‑sale clause. The move reflects the growing trend of Saudi investment in European football talent.