Al-Ittihad great Khamis Al-Zahrani has called for star duo Houssem Aouar and Youssef En-Nesyri to be moved on before next season, warning that the Saudi Pro League club faces a “complex” squad dilemma under new German coach Jens Vessing.
The former Al-Ittihad captain criticised the suitability of the Algerian playmaker and the Moroccan striker – as well as Brazilian midfielder Fabinho – to Vessing’s tactical demands, and said urgent decisions were needed in midfield recruitment.
“Al-Ittihad is heading into a very big season, but it is suffering from a problem in the spine of the team, especially with the ideas of the new German coach Jens Vessing,” Al-Zahrani told Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya.
Concerns over midfield ‘spine’ under new coach
Al-Zahrani argued that the squad, as currently constructed, lacks the type of central players required to execute Vessing’s preferred approach.
“Al-Ittihad needs a lot of depth in the middle of the pitch,” he said. “Neither (Houssem) Aouar nor Fabinho nor (Youssef) En-Nesyri can perform the roles that are expected to be asked of them by the coach, which are based on direct play, pressing and quick transitions.”
He stressed that the central area of the pitch is where the team’s structural weaknesses lie, particularly given the more physically intense and vertical style the new coach is expected to implement.
“Al-Ittihad needs midfielders,” he continued, “with Fabinho, Aouar and En-Nesyri all coming under the microscope of the coach, so that he can make the right decision on them as fast as possible, especially since Fabinho’s contract has already expired.”
Transfer urgency and financial pressure
Al-Zahrani warned that the club must act quickly in the transfer market, balancing speed of decision-making with the quality of incoming players.
“These files need speed in decision-making, in addition to quality in selection,” he said. “The coach now knows the players, he has put his hand on the wound, and he must plug the gaps with distinguished signings.”
The former defender indicated that the club is already targeting reinforcements in the centre of the park, including a direct replacement for Fabinho.
“What I know is that Al-Ittihad will bring in players in midfield,” he explained, “one as a replacement for Fabinho, and another who plays in the same way as (Mamadou) Doumbia, while Aouar’s situation remains linked to the squad list and the number of foreign players.”
His comments reflect broader questions surrounding the club’s foreign player quota and how best to allocate it under budgetary constraints.
‘Complex’ squad puzzle for inexperienced Vessing
Al-Zahrani underlined that the timing and context make this summer’s decisions particularly sensitive for Al-Ittihad’s hierarchy.
“Al-Ittihad is facing a thorny file, and time is extremely tight,” he concluded. “Especially in light of the financial distress, and the presence of a new coach who does not have great experience in leading a big team the size of Al-Ittihad.”
With expectations high and resources reportedly strained, the club must now decide whether to persist with established names like Aouar and En-Nesyri or reshape the squad to fit Vessing’s game model.
Al-Zahrani’s remarks will add pressure on the club’s management and technical staff as they attempt to rebuild a competitive side capable of challenging for honours in the coming campaign.
