Al-Ittihad have ended speculation surrounding Moussa Diaby's future by confirming the French winger will remain at the club for the upcoming season. The Saudi Arabian side has made clear their commitment to the 26-year-old, ruling out any departure during the current transfer window despite interest from rival clubs. Diaby's retention marks a significant statement of intent as Al-Ittihad prepare for a competitive campaign under newly appointed German coach Jens Wissing.
Currently training at the club's Spanish camp, Diaby has impressed technical staff with his physical condition and recent form. The winger has scored twice in two pre-season friendlies and shows clear signs of rediscovering the elite level he demonstrated during his inaugural season with the club. After a dip in performance last term that affected team results, Diaby's revival has been central to Wissing's early optimistic assessments. His discipline and commitment at the training camp have reinforced the coaching staff's belief in his importance to the project moving forward.
Wissing's Tactical Vision Takes Shape
The German manager is implementing a clear strategic blueprint focused on counter-pressing and rapid ball recovery. Both goals in recent friendlies against Orlando Pirates and Las Palmas stemmed from intense pressing sequences, illustrating the aggressive, transition-based football Wissing intends to establish. His selection decisions reveal further priorities: Moaz Faqihi started both friendlies at left-back ahead of available foreign option Mario Mitaj, signalling a preference for domestic solutions in that position.
Al-Ittihad continue recruitment efforts to strengthen midfield depth with foreign talent. Houssem Aouar, the Algerian midfielder, recently joined squad sessions and is completing a tailored preparation programme ahead of upcoming warm-up matches. Meanwhile, the club is pursuing homegrown left-back reinforcements, with Hussein Al-Sabiani and Fares Abedi among targets. Mitaj's pathway appears increasingly blocked, potentially opening the door to an exit for the Albanian defender.
With Diaby secured and tactical direction clarifying, Al-Ittihad's preparations signal growing confidence under Wissing's leadership as the new season approaches.
