Mercato: Dion Lopy joins Al-Ittihad

Dion Lopy takes his career to the next level after three impressive seasons with UD Almería. The 24-year-old Senegalese midfielder has officially joined Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia in a transfer deal estimated at €13 million guaranteed, with an additional €6 million in potential bonuses. It's a new milestone for a player who has become a reference point in his position in Spain.

The saga is over. After weeks of speculation, Dion Lopy is officially an Al-Ittihad player. UD Almería confirmed on Wednesday that an agreement had been reached with the Saudi giants for the Senegalese midfielder's transfer. The deal is valued at €13 million fixed, with €6 million in bonuses and a 10% sell-on clause for any future transfer. The 24-year-old has signed a contract until 2029, although some sources suggest it could run until 2030.

This transfer is a reward for the steady progress of a player who had established himself as a key pillar of the Andalusian club.

Three seasons to establish himself as a mainstay at Almería

Signed in the summer of 2023 from Stade de Reims, Dion Lopy wasted no time making an impression in Spain. Over three seasons, he featured in 105 official matches for Almería, including 30 in La Liga, 63 in the Segunda División, 6 in the Copa del Rey, and 6 in the promotion playoffs.

Beyond the statistics, the Senegalese midfielder stood out for his consistency. Tireless in recovering the ball, valuable during transitions, and capable of bringing balance to the midfield, he became one of the most utilized players by every coach who sat on Almería’s bench. His influence on the pitch also made him a fan favorite among the Andalusian supporters.

During the 2025-2026 season, despite Almería’s unsuccessful attempt to return to La Liga, Dion Lopy once again proved his worth with a string of starts and by helping the club reach the promotion playoffs. His performances caught the eye of several clubs before Al-Ittihad made their move.

From Oslo FA to the European elite

Born in Dakar, Dion Lopy was developed at Oslo FA, a renowned Senegalese football academy. In 2020, he joined Stade de Reims, where he continued his development with both the reserve team and the first team before breaking into Ligue 1.

His move to Almería marked a turning point. In Spain, he made significant tactical progress and gained valuable experience in both of the country’s top two divisions. At just 24 years old, he already boasts more than 150 professional appearances—a testament to his continuous growth.

An international for Senegal, Lopy gradually earned a spot in the rotation for the Lions of Teranga, using his club performances to win the trust of the national team’s coaching staff.

Al-Ittihad invests in a midfielder at the peak of his powers

With this signing, Al-Ittihad continues to strengthen its squad by attracting a player at the perfect moment in his career. The Saudi club isn't just signing an experienced midfielder; they are getting a profile capable of bringing intensity, ball recovery, and technical mastery to the heart of midfield.

This transfer opens a new chapter for Dion Lopy. After succeeding in France and then Spain, the Senegalese midfielder now takes on a league that is becoming increasingly competitive, attracting several international stars. It’s a chance for him to reaffirm his status and reach new heights, while remaining an important figure for the Senegal national team.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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