Medhi Benatia leaves Juventus for Qatari club Al-Duhail
Monday 28 January 2019 23:08, UK
Moroccan centre-back Medhi Benatia has left Juventus for Qatar's Al-Duhail in a deal worth up to 10 million euros (£8.7m).
Juventus confirmed Al-Duhail will pay eight million euros in two instalments for Benatia, as well as a further two million euros in bonuses.
The defender made 59 appearances for Juventus since arriving in 2016, winning two Serie A and domestic cup titles and the Italian Super Cup.
However the 31-year-old fell out of favour with coach Massimiliano Allegri following the return of Leonardo Bonucci last summer from AC Milan.
Bonucci has been sidelined with an ankle sprain but according to press reports Benatia will be replaced by Lazio's Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres, who has already passed a medical.
Benatia said on Twitter: "Thank you all... it has been an immense pleasure! I hope to be able to come to Madrid to cheer for you - this Juve deserves it."
Juve take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16, with the final of the competition at Atleti's Wanda Metropolitano in June.
