Al Ittihad has made a significant move by signing 24-year-old Belgium international Arthur Theate for a fee of €18m. This transfer marks the first signing under the new coach Stefano Pioli, who aims to strengthen the team’s defense with Theate’s versatility and experience.
- Arthur Theate has joined Al Ittihad for €18m.
- This is the first signing by new coach Stefano Pioli.
- Theate completed his medical and attracted interest from clubs like West Ham.
A Significant Signing for Al Ittihad
Arthur Nicolas Theate, a talented Belgian center-back, has officially joined Al Ittihad. The transfer, valued at €18m, marks the first signing under newly appointed coach Stefano Pioli. Theate, born on May 25, 2000, in Liège, Belgium, stands 1.85 meters tall and is versatile, able to play as both a center-back and a left-back.
Theate’s career has been on an upward trajectory, with significant stints at KV Oostende, Bologna FC, and most recently Stade Rennais FC. At Rennes, he made 36 appearances, showcasing his defensive prowess and reliability on the field. His market value as of June 2024 stands at €20m, underscoring his worth in the current football landscape.
🚨🟡⚫️ Arthur Theate to Al Ittihad, here we go! Deal in place for €18m fee to Rennes, all done also on player side.
First move for new coach Pioli, smart signing for Ittihad as many clubs were keen including West Ham.
24 year old Belgium international also completed medical. https://t.co/KQA2qwGGzK
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 04, 2023
Career Highlights and Statistics
Arthur Theate’s journey through professional football has been impressive. His youth career saw him develop at several clubs, including Alliance Melen-Micheroux, KAS Eupen, KRC Genk, and Standard de Liège. His senior career highlights include:
- KV Oostende (2020-2021): 32 appearances, 3 goals
- Bologna FC (2021-2022): 31 appearances, 2 goals
- Stade Rennais FC (2022-2024): 36 appearances, 0 goals
On the international stage, Theate has earned 18 caps with the Belgian national team, further cementing his reputation as a solid defender. His prowess has not gone unnoticed, with clubs like West Ham United also expressing interest in him.
Strategic Move by Pioli
Stefano Pioli, who recently took the reins at Al Ittihad, has made a smart and strategic move by securing Theate’s services. Pioli, known for his tactical knowledge and experience managing top-tier clubs like AC Milan, sees Theate as a pivotal addition to strengthen Al Ittihad’s defense. Theate’s successful medical examination has finalized the transfer, ensuring he is ready to join the squad immediately.
Theate’s transfer history reflects his growing value and impact on the field:
- KV Oostende to Bologna FC: €6.00m (July 1, 2021)
- Bologna FC to Stade Rennais FC: €19.00m (July 29, 2022)
- Stade Rennais FC to Al Ittihad: €18.00m (July 3, 2024)
This acquisition is not only a testament to Theate’s abilities but also highlights Al Ittihad’s ambitions under Pioli’s leadership. With Theate on board, Al Ittihad aims to fortify their defense and compete at higher levels in upcoming seasons.
For more detailed player statistics and transfer history, check Arthur Theate’s profile on Transfermarkt.
