Alexis Duarte loan to Al-Ittihad collapses as defender stays at Santos | OneFootball

According to Diario Do Peixe, the proposed loan of defender Alexis Duarte to Al-Ittihad did not go through, with the Saudi transfer window closing on Monday 2, so the Paraguayan is expected to remain at Santos.

Duarte trained with the squad at CT Rei Pelé on Monday and remains available to the coaching staff for the rest of the season.

Signed in September 2025 from Spartak Moscow for around four million dollars, he arrived as a sizeable investment but has not secured an undisputed starting role. The club are navigating a difficult sporting and financial spell in the Campeonato Paulista.

Of the players Santos sought to move this window, only forward Gustavo Caballero has departed so far, joining Portsmouth on loan.

Duarte has made six appearances for Santos, five in the 2025 Brasileirão and one in the 2026 edition. His sole outing this season came in the 4-2 defeat to Chapecoense in the opening round, when he was involved in decisive passages leading to goals conceded.

Despite his club situation, he remains in Paraguay’s plans, regularly called by head coach Gustavo Alfaro for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He was selected in the October and November 2025 FIFA windows while at Santos.

The Al-Ittihad move had been aimed at securing more minutes before the World Cup. With the transfer falling through, Duarte stays with Santos and will try to win back his place under Juan Pablo Vojvoda.

Source: Diario Do Peixe