‘Despite the Saudi’s best efforts…’ – Monaco react to Denis Zakaria transfer situation | OneFootball

Denis Zakaria’s (28) future at AS Monaco was thrown into doubt earlier this week. A key player at Monaco since his move two years ago, and club captain since the start of last season, he started as the Principality club beat Le Havre AC 3-1 on Saturday. However, in the aftermath of that win, the midfielder was then linked with a move away from the club.

Reports stated that Al-Ahli had entered into talks with the Principality club to sound out a move. However, the deal ultimately fell through, with Monaco then officially confirming the news:

“Following several reports that have appeared in the media in recent days, the club wants to clarify the situation and informs that there will not be a departure, between now and the end of the transfer window, for their captain, Denis Zakaria, who was recently the subject of interest from a Saudi club,” read the statement, seen by Get French Football News.

Monaco’s CEO, Thiago Scuro, was present alongside manager Adi Hütter as the club looked to draw a line under the affair. “Despite all the Saudi’s efforts, we had a good conversation with Zak. He loves to be here,” began Hütter.

Scuro added, “Denis is the captain. We have had a lot of interactions over the past two years. It was not about convincing anyone. It was about showing the facts and treating the offer with respect. We decided that the best option for everyone was to keep going here at Monaco. There was no friction, no conflict. It was less than 48 hours between the start and the end, and made less impact because it was on a day off. We could talk more calmly. Denis also had more time to think and to discuss those topics, and turn the page.”

Dier oblivious to Zakaria talk

Hütter has said that Zakaria has not been disturbed by the talks and can play against Lille OSC on Sunday. It apparently has not had an impact on the dressing room either, with Eric Dier completely oblivious to the reports.

“I don’t know French media, so I didn’t know anything!” joked the Englishman. “I didn’t even notice, and didn’t notice anything in the way that Zak has been,” he added.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle – reporting from Monaco