Juventus defender Medhi Benatia has made an €8million move to Qatari club Al-Duhail after two and a half seasons with the Serie A giants.
The 31-year-old Moroccan leaves Europe for the first time in his career, with Juve confirming the move on Monday. The fee is expected to be paid in two installments by October 2019 and may increase a further €2m, the club said in a statement.
In a statement Juventus noted: “Juventus Football Club announces that it has finalized the agreement with the company Al Duhail Sports Club for the definitive assignment of the right to the sports services of the player Medhi El Mouttaqui-Benatia for a consideration of € 8 million, payable in two installments by October 2019, which may increase up to a maximum of € 2 million upon the occurrence of certain contractual conditions. This transaction does not generate significant economic effects for Juventus.”
Benatia initially arrived at Juve on loan from Bayern Munich in 2016 before the club made the move permanent the following year.
The Morocco international won two Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia crowns during his time with the club.
Al-Duhail is six-time top-flight champions in Qatar and sits second through 15 games this season, now strengthening what is already the best defence in the competition.
