Youssef En-Nesyri has reported for duty at Al-Ittihad's pre-season training camp in Marbella, Spain, marking his first session under newly appointed German manager Jens Wissing. The Moroccan striker featured in the team's opening friendly against South Africa's Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, leading the attack despite mounting speculation about his future at the Saudi Arabian club.
En-Nesyri was deployed in a familiar attacking role alongside French winger Moussa Diaby and Saudi Arabian winger Abdulrahman Al-Aboud as Wissing unveiled his initial lineup with the Tigers. The striker's inclusion in the squad sends a clear message from the new coaching staff, even as transfer rumours continue to swirl around the player's tenure at Al-Ittihad.
Transfer Uncertainty Surrounds Moroccan Forward
Recent reports have linked En-Nesyri with a potential move to Moroccan club Maghreb de Fès, who are seeking a replacement striker following Sofiane Bendjedida's departure to Egypt's Al-Ahly during the current transfer window. The 26-year-old joined Al-Ittihad last winter from Turkish side Fenerbahçe, but struggled to replicate his previous form at his new club.
In 18 appearances for the Saudi side, En-Nesyri has scored 8 goals and provided a single assist—figures that fall short of the output expected from a striker of his calibre. His integration into Wissing's tactical system during this training camp will prove crucial in determining both his role moving forward and the club's appetite to retain him through the upcoming season. Al-Ittihad's decision to field him immediately suggests the new manager believes the player remains central to their plans.
