In a surprising development during the current winter transfer window, reputable French media outlets have reported that Congolese international defender Chancel Mbemba, who plays for Olympique de Marseille, rejected an offer to join Al-Ittihad, the Saudi Professional League champions. While Saudi offers have become an attractive destination for many European football stars, the specifics of the offer presented to Mbemba were the primary reason the deal fell through.
Details of the offer and reason for rejection
According to the French newspaper L'Équipe, Mbemba's firm rejection of Al-Ittihad's offer was not due to financial reasons, but rather to technical considerations and the nature of his participation with the team. The report explained that Al-Ittihad's management planned to register the Congolese defender only in the squad for the remainder of the 2023/2024 AFC Champions League season, excluding him from the domestic squad for the Saudi Professional League and the King's Cup. This condition was unacceptable to the player, who seeks consistent and regular playing time in all competitions, not just a temporary solution for a single tournament.
General context and the Union's defensive needs
Al-Ittihad's interest in signing a top-class defender stems from the defensive challenges the team has faced this season, particularly following the injury to their key defender, Ahmed Sharahili. Despite boasting world-class players in various positions, such as Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and Fabinho, defensive vulnerabilities have been evident. It appears that the already full quota of foreign players in the domestic league is what prompted Al-Ittihad's management to make this limited offer, aiming to bolster the squad for the continental championship, a top priority for the club and its fans.
The importance of Mbemba and the impact of the decision
Chancel Mbemba, 29, is a key player in Olympique de Marseille's defense and captain of the Democratic Republic of Congo national team. He boasts an impressive European career, having played for major clubs such as Anderlecht (Belgium), Newcastle United (England), and Porto (Portugal) before joining Marseille. His rejection of Al-Ittihad's offer underscores that the ambitions of professional players extend beyond financial gain, encompassing the importance of the sporting project and their role within it. For Al-Ittihad, this decision necessitates continuing the search in the transfer market for other defensive options to bolster the squad before the winter transfer window closes, in order to prepare for the remaining crucial matches of the season.
