Inter Loses Elián Irala to UAE Club in $3 Million Deal

Elián Irala, a 20-year-old Argentine midfielder, will not join Internacional after San Lorenzo sold him to Shabab Al Ahly in the United Arab Emirates for $3 million, according to reports from Lance!. Internacional had pursued the player as a replacement for Fernando, sidelined with a serious knee injury, but the financial crisis at San Lorenzo and the lucrative Middle Eastern offer changed the outcome.

Talks between Inter and San Lorenzo date back to February, with the Argentine club’s economic troubles—even sparking a players’ strike—initially favoring Inter’s chances. However, competition from the UAE side proved decisive.

Irala’s agent, Juan Cruz Oller, confirmed to Lance! that the transfer is sealed: “Emirates 100%,” he said briefly. Despite the player’s initial preference to prioritize Inter in the upcoming transfer window, sources in Buenos Aires say he will sign with Shabab Al Ahly once the market opens on July 10.

With Irala off the table, Internacional now seeks a new defensive midfielder and is also looking to reinforce their defense and attack amid concerns over possible departures of Vitão and Victor Gabriel. Most recently, the Brazilian club had confirmed the signing of Alan Benítez from Cerro Porteño, through 2026.