---
title: "Brazil World Cup defender rejects Aston Villa move to remain in Saudi Arabia"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/10/brazil-world-cup-defender-rejects-aston-villa-move-to-remain-in-saudi-arabia/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-08-10T19:40:00Z"
modified: "2026-08-10T19:40:00Z"
---

# Brazil World Cup defender rejects Aston Villa move to remain in Saudi Arabia

**Roger Ibañez has reportedly rejected an offer from Aston Villa and decided to remain with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.**

Unai Emery’s side had stepped up their interest in the Brazil international as they considered adding another centre-back before the transfer window closes.

However, [Sky Sport Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Ibañez has turned down Villa’s offer](https://x.com/sachatavolieri/status/2086443512787046762). The defender wants to stay with Al-Ahli despite the opportunity to move to the Premier League.

> Roger Ibañez rejected an offer from Aston Villa.\
> \
> He wanted to stay at Al-Ahli, despite interest from Villa 🇸🇦\
> \
> ✍️ – \[[@sachatavolieri](https://x.com/sachatavolieri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)\] [#avfc](https://x.com/hashtag/avfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/s1HU6EvHbL](https://t.co/s1HU6EvHbL)
>
> — 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚 (@TotalVilla\_) [August 10, 2026](https://x.com/TotalVilla_/status/2086819868456685867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Roger Ibañez rejects Aston Villa move

Villa had been in repeated contact over a possible deal for the 27-year-old during the past week.

Ibañez had previously paused talks over extending his Al-Ahli contract as interest from England increased. Villa then made their move, but the Brazilian has decided against leaving Saudi Arabia.

His decision represents a setback for Emery as Villa continue to assess their defensive options.

[ReadAstonVilla reported on Sunday that Kosta Nedeljkovic has worked his way back into Emery’s plans](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/08/09/unai-emerys-surprise-right-back-rethink-hands-20-year-old-kosta-nedeljkovic-massive-aston-villa-lifeline/). The Serbian’s progress gives Villa additional depth on the right, but the club have also been looking at ways to strengthen centrally.

Ibañez had emerged as one of the more experienced options available. He has played extensively in Serie A with Roma and has since become a key figure for Al-Ahli.

The centre-back was also selected in Brazil’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, further strengthening his profile during Villa’s search for defensive reinforcements.

Al-Ahli have moved quickly to secure his future. Reports now claim Ibañez has agreed a new contract until **June 2030**, making a late Villa revival increasingly unlikely.

Villa must therefore decide whether to turn their attention elsewhere as Emery shapes his squad for another demanding season.

Ibañez appears set to remain in Saudi Arabia rather than become the latest addition at Villa Park.