Jens Wiesing, Al-Ittihad's German head coach, has promoted Suhaib Hosawi from the club's Under-21 squad to the first-team roster ahead of Friday's fixture against Abha in the Roshn Saudi League. The decision marks Hosawi's maiden senior call-up this season as Al-Ittihad prepare for the twelfth round clash at Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium.
Hosawi has impressed consistently in the Joan Elite League, Saudi Arabia's Under-21 competition, where his performances have drawn significant attention from the coaching staff. The left-footed winger operates on the right flank and has been instrumental in Al-Ittihad's youth side's dominance this campaign, with the team currently leading the Joan Elite League standings on 22 points from seven wins and a draw—four points clear of second-placed Al-Ahli.
Youth Depth Strengthens Senior Squad
Hosawi's promotion reflects Al-Ittihad's strategy of integrating emerging talent into competitive fixtures. The club's Under-21 ranks harbour multiple prospects capable of contributing at senior level. Ammar Al-Ghamdi, a striker from the same youth system, has established himself as one of the Joan Elite League's most prolific scorers, currently ranked third with seven goals—just one behind Al-Ettifaq's Mohammed Al-Issa and level with Al-Ahli's Musa Adam.
The convergence of talent in Al-Ittihad's youth academy underscores the club's long-term investment in player development. Wiesing's decision to blood Hosawi at senior level provides crucial competitive experience for the winger while addressing any tactical needs in the squad rotation for the Abha encounter. Such integration of academy graduates strengthens internal depth and reduces reliance on external recruitment.
Al-Ittihad's journey to Abha on Friday will test whether the club's emerging generation can perform under senior-level pressure as they pursue progression in the Roshn Saudi League title race.
Source: goal.com
