A romantic return to Boca Juniors won’t be happening any time soon for Éver Banega after Saudi Arabian club Al Shabab announced the 31-year-old midfielder will be joining in June.

Banega is out of contract with Sevilla at the end of the season and after rumours that Boca had made approaches during the current transfer window, the Argentinian has now made his next move known.

Six-time Saudi champions Al Shabab have confirmed a three-year deal has been agreed which would take Banega up to his 35th birthday.

Al Shabab has officially signed with Ever Banega #ShababFC #Alshabab #بانيغا_شبابي#تعاقدات_الشباب pic.twitter.com/9GZieEMH5a

— Al Shabab FC (@ShababSaudiFc) January 25, 2020

Still a regular in the Sevilla side, Banega has made 19 appearances in La Liga this term, scoring twice and chalking up six assists with the Andalusians sitting third.

Clearly with plenty still to offer, a return to boyhood club Boca would clearly have been a coup for the Xeneizes but it is hard to begrudge Banega opting for the best financial offer when entering the final phase of his career.

The talented Rosario-born playmaker came through Boca’s academy and earned a big money move to Valencia. Indiscipline off the pitch plagued his early career but Sevilla has proven to a stable environment for Banega.

Helping the club to two Europa League titles Tanguito established himself in the Argentina squad too and has since notched 65 appearances for La Albiceleste.

Adding to that looks unlikely now having slipped down the pecking order under Lionel Scaloni and so it is perhaps further reason to make the Al Shabab move.

There are of course no guarantees that Banega sees out the contract in Saudi Arabia but for now former clubs Boca and Newell’s Old Boys can look elsewhere for reinforcements come June.