Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that Lithuania national team defender Edgaras Utkus is set to continue his career in Saudi Arabia, bringing an end to his four-and-a-half-year spell with Cercle Brugge.
The 25-year-old centre-back, who has earned 23 caps for the Lithuania national team, was still in action as recently as Sunday, playing in Cercle Brugge’s 1-1 league draw against Genk. Just a day later, Tavolieri reported that Utkus is on the verge of an immediate move to Al-Kholood, a club competing in the Saudi Pro League. According to the report, the Lithuanian defender will sign a three-year contract, with the transfer taking effect right away.
Utkus’ contract with Cercle Brugge was due to expire this summer. He joined the Belgian side four and a half years ago after spending three and a half years in the academy system of AS Monaco. During his time in Bruges, Utkus became a key figure in the squad, making 113 appearances in all competitions and scoring seven goals.
Al-Kholood, Utkus’ reported new destination, currently sit 13th in the Saudi Pro League standings after 17 matches, having collected 15 points in an 18-team league. Tavolieri adds that the Saudi club will pay a reported transfer fee of around €1.2 million to complete the deal.
