Al-Ittihad submits offer for Benfica midfielder Leandro Barreiro: reports

Al-Ittihad has made an official offer to Portuguese club Benfica to sign Luxembourg midfielder Leandro Barreiro, 26, as part of the club’s efforts to reinforce its squad in the final days of the current transfer window, according to Portuguese media reports.

The newspaper Record reported that Barreiro has become one of Al-Ittihad’s top targets, while A Bola noted in July that the club had previously considered the player as a replacement for Brazilian midfielder Fabinho.

Al-Ittihad’s move is also linked to Dutch coach Jens Vissing, who previously worked with Barreiro during his time at Benfica and is familiar with his abilities, which has increased the likelihood of negotiations.

Barreiro is known for his tactical versatility, allowing him to play in several midfield roles, either as a holding midfielder or in a more advanced position.

He joined Benfica in the summer of 2024 from German side Mainz. In his first season in the Portuguese league, he played 27 matches and scored three goals, before making 31 appearances last season, netting three goals and providing five assists.

Al-Ittihad’s transfer activity is not limited to Barreiro, as the club is also seeking to sign Japan’s Ritsu Doan and Algeria’s Hicham Boudaoui to strengthen the midfield and attack following the departure of Frenchman Moussa Diaby.