The 31-year-old only represented the club in Asian competition last season, yet was pivotal.

Spanish goalkeeper Sergio Rico will continue at Al Gharafa, the Qatar Stars League side announced on Sunday.

The Spanish goalkeeper penned a one-year extension, becoming the latest foreigner in Al Gharafa’s ranks to extend his stay at the club.

All of Yacine Brahimi, captain Ferjani Sassi and Aron Gunnarsson have had their contracts extended recently.

Rico joined Al Gharafa at the start of 2024 on a year-long deal after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

The 31-year-old has only played at the AFC Champions League Elite and was left out of Al Gharafa’s domestic squads due to registration constraints.

However, Rico was crucial in some of Al Gharafa’s notable results in the continental tournament last year, including the 4-2 win against defending champions Al Ain of UAE and a 1-0 win over Uzbeki side Pakhtakor. His shot-stopping abilities also impressed in losses against Al Wasl and Al Hilal.

Rico is currently with the squad at the pre-season camp in Slovakia, where the club is training under head coach Pedro Martins and is scheduled to play five friendlies. One of those will be a clash against English side Crystal Palace on August 1.

Contrary to the previous season, Rico will likely be registered for the domestic tournaments due to the league’s new amendments. Clubs in Qatar’s top-flight will now be allowed to register up to 10 foreign players on their 28-player roster.

His inclusion will come as a boost for Martins’ side, looking to live up to the potential and the squad strength as well as build on the Amir Cup triumph last season.

The club have also signed ex-Everton and West Bromwich Albion full-back Mason Holgate.

The Jamaican international will join the likes of Brahimi, Sassi and the studded foreigners’ cast that includes Rico, Joselu and Fabricio Diaz among others.

Al Gharafa will take on Umm Salal on August 15 to kick off their 2025/26 QSL season.