Olimpia Give Al Ain Deadline to Sign Facundo Zabala Amid Interest from Independiente

Facundo Zabala remains one of the hottest names in the Paraguayan transfer market, and Olimpia have drawn a line in the sand. In a Friday press conference, club president Rodrigo Nogués confirmed that UAE side Al Ain have priority to sign the Argentine left-back—but only until July 15.

Zabala impressed during his one-month loan with Al Ain at the FIFA Club World Cup, prompting ongoing talks between the Emirati club and Olimpia. However, Nogués made it clear: if a deal isn’t finalized by the deadline, the club will consider other suitors.

One of those is Argentina’s Independiente, which has submitted multiple bids in recent days. Olimpia, however, has rejected all of them, holding firm in its commitment to Al Ain’s first-option clause and its valuation of the player.

With the transfer window entering a crucial phase, Zabala’s future could be decided within days. Olimpia know they hold a valuable asset—and are determined not to lose leverage in negotiations.