Luiz Felipe, the Italian-Brazilian central defender who was transferred from Real Betis to Al Ittihad just over a year ago for €22 million plus €3 million in variables, is now close to terminating his contract with the Saudi Arabian club. Al Ittihad, which has exceeded the allowed number of foreign players, is looking to offload the former Betis player, who has only played 20 minutes this season in the opening match of the Saudi Pro League before suffering a muscle injury.
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Last summer, Luiz Felipe was already linked with a return to Betis, a club where he had left a strong impression. However, Betis instead decided to sign Diego Llorente permanently and bring in Natan on loan. As the Verdiblancos continue to search the market for central defenders, especially with Marc Bartra’s contract ending and Natan‘s loan from Napoli concluding at the end of the season (with a €9 million purchase option), Luiz Felipe’s situation could open up interesting opportunities for a potential reunion.
Al Ittihad’s Foreign Player Quota
Al Ittihad currently has ten foreign players on its roster: Luiz Felipe, Predrag Rajkovic, N’Golo Kanté, Dani Pereira, Fabinho, Houssem Aouar, Steven Bergwijn, Moussa Diaby, Karim Benzema, and the young Mario Mita. However, Saudi Pro League regulations require two of these foreign players to be under the age of 23, a requirement only met by Mario Mita, the Greek-Albanian talent. As a result, Luiz Felipe, who has been plagued by injuries, finds himself out of the plans of head coach Laurent Blanc and sporting director Ramón Planes—the latter having moved to Al Ittihad from Betis last January after triggering his release clause.
Contract Negotiations and Future Plans
According to Relevo, Luiz Felipe’s agents are currently negotiating the termination of his contract, which was set to expire in June 2026. If successful, Luiz Felipe would become a free agent, free to sign with any club. The 27-year-old defender has already expressed his desire to return to Betis at some point in the future. In his farewell letter to the Betis fans just over a year ago, Luiz Felipe said:
“Although my path leads me to new challenges and adventures, I want you to know that this is not a final goodbye. Who knows if, at some point in the future, our paths might cross again. In the meantime, I will carry with me the memories and affection we shared. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for Betis.”
This emotional message highlights the strong bond the player continues to have with the Betis community, suggesting that a return could very well be in the cards in the near future.
Luiz Felipe’s Injury and Recent Performance
One of the major factors influencing Luiz Felipe’s departure from Al Ittihad has been his struggle with injuries. After his promising start at the Saudi club, he was limited to just 20 minutes of playing time this season due to a muscle injury he suffered during the opening match of the Saudi Pro League. His absence from the pitch has severely limited his impact on the team, which, combined with the club’s foreign player restrictions, has led to his imminent contract termination.
Despite these setbacks, Luiz Felipe has maintained a professional attitude and remains in good physical condition, ready to join a new team when the opportunity arises. His experience at the highest levels of European football, with stints in La Liga and Serie A, makes him an attractive option for clubs seeking a solid, experienced central defender.
Potential Return to Real Betis
Given Real Betis’ need for defensive reinforcements, especially with the upcoming expiration of Marc Bartra’s contract and the uncertain future of Natan, Luiz Felipe could be a valuable addition to the squad. His familiarity with Manuel Pellegrini’s system and his emotional connection to the club would make his return a smooth transition. The potential reunion with the Betis faithful, who hold him in high regard, could reignite the player’s career after a difficult year in Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, Betis’ current defensive setup could benefit from Luiz Felipe’s leadership and experience. With Natan‘s future uncertain and Bartra potentially leaving, the club will need to strengthen its backline, and Luiz Felipe would be a logical candidate, especially if he becomes available on a free transfer.
The Broader Context of Saudi Pro League Foreign Player Limits
Luiz Felipe’s situation is not unique in the Saudi Pro League. The league has seen an influx of foreign talent in recent years, leading to strict enforcement of foreign player quotas. Clubs like Al Ittihad have had to make difficult decisions, including parting ways with players who are no longer integral to their plans. In this case, Luiz Felipe’s injury issues and the need to meet the under-23 foreign player requirement made him the odd man out.
However, the Saudi Pro League continues to grow in stature, attracting some of the biggest names in world football. While this has been a positive development for the league, it has also created challenges for teams trying to balance their rosters under the league’s regulations.
Conclusion
Luiz Felipe’s departure from Al Ittihad appears imminent, as the club seeks to balance its foreign player quota. The 27-year-old defender, who has struggled with injuries this season, could soon become a free agent, opening the door for a potential return to Real Betis or a new adventure elsewhere. His story is one of resilience, and despite the challenges, Luiz Felipe remains committed to continuing his professional career at the highest level.
A return to Betis would be a fitting chapter in his career, reuniting with the fans who still hold him in high regard. Whether in Spain or elsewhere, Luiz Felipe’s next move will be closely watched as he looks to regain his form and make an impact on the pitch once again.
