Rafa Mir mulling Saudi offer as striker weighs up January exit from Elche
The on-loan Sevilla striker has options on the table including a tempting offer from Al-Ittihad, with both parent club and Elche needing to agree terms for any move.
Currently sidelined with a biceps femoris injury picked up against Villarreal on January 3rd, Rafa Mir’s recovery isn’t stopping the transfer rumour mill from turning at full pelt.
Saudi interest heats up
The Elche striker, on loan from Sevilla, has several options to consider this January window with Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad making a concrete offer for his services. The Saudi club are keen to bring the Spanish forward to the Middle East despite his current injury status.
Complex transfer mechanics
Any potential move involves a bit of financial gymnastics between multiple parties:
- Mir is on loan at Elche from Sevilla until the end of the season
- Elche hold a €3.5m purchase option they can trigger at any time
- Sevilla would need to terminate the loan agreement for a temporary move
- For a permanent transfer, Elche could activate their purchase option first, then sell him on
The striker joined Sevilla in summer 2021 from Wolves but hasn’t quite set the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán alight. Last season saw him loaned to Valencia where he made 22 appearances, scoring twice and providing two assists.
Sevilla’s stance
The Andalusian club are reportedly keen to free up wage budget during the final stretch of the January window, viewing Mir’s potential departure as a chance to bring in reinforcements. However, they’re determined that any deal must make financial sense for the club.
Legal situation no obstacle
Despite Mir being involved in an ongoing legal process, this wouldn’t prevent him from playing abroad. He’s previously been able to travel with Sevilla to Portugal and with Valencia to Mexico without issues.
With just over a week remaining in the transfer window, all parties will need to move swiftly if Mir is to be on his bike to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. The striker, who’s been on Elche’s books since 2026, might fancy a fresh start after his recent loan spells haven’t quite gone according to plan.