Juventus defender Medhi Benatia leaves for Qatar in €8m deal

OneFootball

Elliott Bretland·28 January 2019

Medhi Benatia has left Juventus and signed for Al-Duhail in Qatar.

The defender was keen to leave the Bianconeri and departs in a deal worth €8m plus up to €2m in bonuses.

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Benatia had been linked with Serie A rivals Milan, Marseille and Arsenal but has opted for a lucrative move away from Europe.

Juventus had been keen to keep the Moroccan centre-back and will likely look to bolster their defensive ranks in the closing days of the window.

The 31-year-old has made just five appearances in Serie A this season and featured in one Champions League group game.

Juve announced the transfer late on Monday night and confirmed Al-Duhail will pay the fee in two installments by October 2019.

Benatia’s new club are currently second in the QNB Stars League, two points off leaders Al Sadd.