Al-Ittihad have received a significant injection of funds and are preparing to accelerate their transfer activity ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season. According to Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan, the club's board has approved fresh financial resources, enabling them to pursue multiple signings they had previously targeted but could not afford.
The Saudi club's recruitment strategy centres on addressing their midfield deficiencies after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Al-Ittihad finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League and suffered early exits from major competitions, including a quarter-final elimination from the AFC Champions League Elite. The loss of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired, has left a void that management is eager to fill.
Transfer Targets Across Multiple Continents
The club are actively negotiating with a diverse range of midfield talent. Current discussions involve:
- Egyptian midfielders Emam Ashour and Marwan Attia
- Moroccan options Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat
- Nigerian prospects Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi
This broad recruitment net reflects Al-Ittihad's ambition to rebuild their squad with quality depth. Limited resources had previously constrained their ability to compete for high-profile targets in the transfer market, but the new funding changes the equation significantly.
Potential Departures Add to Squad Overhaul
Beyond new arrivals, Al-Ittihad face the prospect of losing established players. Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri and Algeria's Houssem Aouar have been linked with moves away from the club, which could further reshape the squad composition heading into the new campaign.
The summer window represents a critical opportunity for Al-Ittihad to correct course after trophy-less season that included semi-final exits in both the King's Cup and Super Cup. They kick off their competitive schedule on 11 August against Emirati side Al-Jazira in an AFC Champions League Elite play-off qualifier, making their preparation timeline essential for a successful campaign.
