SAUDI PRO LEAGUE
Banega calls time on Saudi Arabia and returns to Argentina
The 35-year-old returns to Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys after 10 years having terminated his contract with Al Shabab in December.
Ever Banega is back in his native Argentina and after a tussle between Newell’s Old Boys and Boca Juniors for his services, the midfielder returns to the Rosario based club where he spent time on loan back in 2014. His new deal with the Argentine top flight side will see him play in the famous black and red jersey through to 2025.
Banega closes a four year chapter with his Riyadh based Al Shabab as he preceded the huge influx of foreign stars to the Saudi Pro League moving to the Gulf from Sevilla in 2020.
Boca, Valencia, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla, Inter and Al-Shabab have been the other clubs that have had the former Argentine international in their ranks and Benega is set to wear the iconic No. 10 shirt with Newell’s. A special number within club folklore given that it was used by Diego Armando Maradona in his brief time as ‘Lepra’.
An emotional return
Despite speculation that Banega had a verbal agreement in place with Boca Juniors, the Rosario based side managed to convince the 35-year-old team that the project at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa was an attractive one.
“I am very happy to return to the club of which I am a fan and it gives me a great happiness to put on this shirt again. I have wanted to return for a long time. I have spoken with the coach, with the people at the club and looking forward to getting started. I come at a different age and am a more mature plater with a lot of experience from having played away from Argentina.” he added in his first words as a new Newell’s player.