Al-Ittihad consider cutting ties with Youssef En-Nesyri after just six months

Morocco international striker Youssef En-Nesyri could be heading for an early exit from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, with reports suggesting the club are considering parting ways with the forward during the current transfer window.

The 29-year-old only joined the Jeddah-based outfit in the January transfer window after leaving Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, but his future has already come under scrutiny just months into his spell in Saudi Arabia.

According to reports, Al-Ittihad are evaluating changes to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, with En-Nesyri among the players whose future remains uncertain. However, the club has not issued any official statement regarding the Morocco international.

En-Nesyri arrived in Saudi Arabia with an impressive reputation built during successful spells with Sevilla and Fenerbahçe, where he established himself as one of North Africa’s most prolific strikers.

He was expected to strengthen Al-Ittihad’s attack following his arrival, but the club are now reportedly reassessing their options as part of a wider squad overhaul.

The Moroccan forward has scored six goals in 13 Saudi Pro League appearances since joining the club. While his return has been respectable, reports suggest Al-Ittihad are weighing up whether to continue with the striker as they reshape their squad for the new campaign.

A departure would come as a surprise given the limited time En-Nesyri has spent at the club and the expectations surrounding his signing earlier this year.

The striker remains one of Morocco’s most influential attacking players, having played a key role in the Atlas Lions‘ historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals while continuing to deliver consistently for the national team.

Known for his aerial ability, movement inside the penalty area and physical presence, En-Nesyri would likely attract interest from clubs across Europe and the Middle East should Al-Ittihad decide to place him on the market.

For now, the Morocco international remains under contract with the Saudi club, but the coming weeks are expected to determine whether he remains part of Al-Ittihad’s plans for the new season or embarks on another move.

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Kwaku Nii
Kwaku Nii is an experienced football writer with a strong background in African football reporting. He has spent over five years working as a freelance journalist, covering matches, transfers and key developments across the continent.He is university educated and has built a reputation for his deep knowledge of the African game, supported by a wide network of contacts within the football industry.Kwaku brings valuable insight, consistency and on-the-ground perspective to his reporting, making him a trusted voice in covering African football stories.He is currently a Staff Writer at African.Football, where he contributes to delivering informed, engaging and reliable football content to a global audience.

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