Ancelotti’s surprise has delayed a decision on Ibanez’s future at Al-Ahly in Saudi Arabia

The surprise of the coach of the Brazilian national team, the Italian Carlo Ancelotti, delayed the decision of the future of his player, “Al Ahli” defender Roger Ibanez, in the Saudi Arabian national team.

Ibanez’s contract with Al-Ahly expires at the end of next season, which allows him to sign a contract with any team in the upcoming winter transfer window and move to their ranks for free next summer.

Saudi newspaper Al-Youm wrote that Al-Ahli management wants to extend the contract with the Brazilian defender until 2029, especially considering the exceptional levels presented by the Turkish company Merih Demiral during the last three seasons.

The newspaper clarified that Ibanez has given his initial consent to the renewal, but that negotiations will begin after Brazil’s participation in the 2026 World Cup finals in America, Canada and Mexico.

All speculation suggested that Ibanez would not be selected in Brazil’s final World Cup squad, before Ancelotti surprised everyone with his selection, with some expectations suggesting he could feature mainly.

The 27-year-old has performed exceptionally well for Al-Ahly since his move in the summer of 2023, which has made him the focus of many European clubs of late.