Houssem Aouar’s Move to Al‑Ittihad: What the Salary Means for the Saudi Club
Background and Recent Transfer
French midfielder Houssem Aouar completed his transfer to Al‑Ittihad in the summer of 2024 after a successful spell at Olympique Lyonnais and a brief period with AS Roma. The 26‑year‑old, known for his vision, dribbling, and ability to unlock defenses, attracted interest from several European clubs, including Arsenal, before opting for the Saudi Pro League.
Al‑Ittihad announced the signing on their official channels, highlighting Aouar’s record of goals, assists, key passes and best skills during his time in Ligue 1 and Serie A. The club’s sporting director described the midfielder as “a player who can dictate tempo and create chances against any opposition.”
Reported Salary Figures
According to multiple reputable sports finance outlets, Aouar’s contract includes a base salary of roughly €12 million per season, plus performance‑related bonuses that could raise the total earnings to €15 million annually. The agreement is believed to run for three years, with an optional fourth‑year extension based on appearances and team achievements.
The financial package reflects Al‑Ittihad’s recent strategy of attracting high‑profile talent to boost the league’s global profile. In addition to the salary, the contract reportedly contains:
- A signing bonus estimated at €3 million.
- Housing and transportation allowances covering a luxury villa in Jeddah.
- Commercial endorsement opportunities linked to the club’s sponsors.
- Performance bonuses for goals, assists, and league titles.
While exact figures remain confidential, the reported numbers align with recent deals signed by players such as Karim Benz
