The Asian Football Confederation has officially rescheduled Al-Ittihad's AFC Champions League Elite qualifying play-off clash against Al-Jazira. The match will now begin at 20:00 Makkah time instead of 19:00 on August 11 at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This fixture represents a crucial stepping stone for the Saudi club's continental ambitions in the 2026-27 season.
En-Nesyri's Wage Demands Block Fès Move
Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri remains at the centre of transfer speculation this summer, with Maghreb de Fès publicly confirming interest in the Al-Ittihad forward. However, negotiations have reached an impasse over financial terms. El Marrakchi, a member of Fès' referees' committee, told local media: "We have negotiated with En-Nesyri, but his salary is an obstacle for us. Our resources do not allow us to pay a salary like the one he receives at Al-Ittihad." The official suggested a potential resolution could emerge if the 29-year-old striker accepts a significant wage reduction to facilitate his departure from the Saudi Pro League.
En-Nesyri, who has established himself as a key attacking option for Al-Ittihad, now faces a critical decision: pursue a move to Europe at reduced earnings or remain in Saudi Arabia on his current lucrative contract. The standoff underscores the challenge facing European clubs in recruiting talent from the kingdom's lucrative market.
Squad Management and Tactical Adjustments
Al-Ittihad's recruitment strategy extends beyond incomings. The club has implemented a targeted development programme for Spanish defender Unai Hernandez, deliberately excluding him from their current training camp in Spain. The board's intention is transparent: either loan out or sell Hernandez before the transfer window closes, freeing up squad resources and wages for alternative reinforcements.
Elsewhere, the club's goalkeeping plans have shifted. Despite earlier reports linking them with Al-Nassr's Nawaf Al-Aqidi, Al-Ittihad will retain Brazilian custodian Bento Matheus. Al-Nassr's decision to build their season around Al-Aqidi means Bento's foreign registration slot remains available at Al-Ittihad, allowing the club to invest in outfield players instead. This represents a pragmatic adjustment to their transfer priorities mid-window.
Tensions have surfaced within the squad, with Brazilian midfielder Fabinho reportedly frustrated by management's handling of veteran signings and contract negotiations. The midfielder's discontent mirrors frustrations that emerged during previous transfer cycles, suggesting systemic friction over how the club manages its elite talent. How Al-Ittihad resolves these internal dynamics will directly impact their continental campaign and domestic ambitions heading into August's qualifying fixture against Al-Jazira.
