Informed sources have revealed a major surprise within the corridors of the Saudi Al-Shabab club, as they disclosed to “Al-Midan” that the Belgian star Yannick Carrasco has submitted an official request to the club’s management to obtain a financial settlement, in preparation for leaving the ranks of “Al-Laith” during the current winter transfer period.
Sources revealed that the Belgian international is exerting continuous pressure on Al-Shabab's management during the current January transfer window, insisting on his desire to terminate his contract through a mutual termination agreement. In a related detail concerning the contract's terms, the sources indicated that if Al-Shabab's management refuses to grant Carrasco the requested termination, the clause stipulates automatic contract renewal, noting that his current contract extends until the end of the 2026-2027 season.
Carrasco's numbers and his career with Al-Shabab
On a technical level, Carrasco is a key player in the capital club's lineup. The Belgian star has contributed to 8 goals in 14 official matches across various competitions this season, reflecting his high technical ability and direct impact on the team's attacking performance.
Background of the deal and the general context
This news comes as a shock to Al-Shabab fans, especially since Yannick Carrasco’s joining the Saudi Professional League (Roshan League) in the summer of 2023 was a remarkable event, as he moved from Atletico Madrid in Spain at the peak of his football career, becoming one of the most prominent international names to join the ambitious Saudi sports project.
Carrasco is a key international player for the Belgian national team, nicknamed the "Red Devils," and has previously played professionally in the Chinese league, giving him extensive experience adapting to different leagues. His signing was a strong message from Al-Shabab's management about competing for titles and challenging the top four clubs (Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli).
The impact of potential departure
The departure of a player of Carrasco's caliber and potential mid-season could put Al-Shabab's coaching staff in a real predicament, given the difficulty of replacing a world-class player during the short winter transfer window. This decision could also destabilize the team, which is striving to improve its league position and compete in cup competitions, presenting the management with a difficult challenge in balancing the player's wishes with the club's best interests.
