Atalanta have sold Turkish centre-back Merih Demiral to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in a deal worth close to €20 million. The 25-year-old defender reportedly made it clear to La Dea that he wished to leave this summer and fought with Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini about his potential departure from the club.
Al-Ahli released a video on their social media channels confirming the Turkish international has made the switch to the Middle East.
Demiral began his career with Sassuolo in 2019 before joining Juventus in a €19.5m. A €21m switch to Atalanta beckoned in 2021 but a lack of playing time led the defender to look for a move.
A new warrior in our squad ✅
Ekibimize hoş geldiniz ????????
@Merihdemiral ????#ديميرال_أهلاوي— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) August 19, 2023
