Al-Ittihad are set to step up their summer transfer business after receiving a new injection of funds that is expected to unlock several signings ahead of the coming campaign.
Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan revealed on X that the Jeddah club’s finances had been bolstered in recent hours, adding that Al-Ittihad now intend to complete “more than one deal” before the start of the new season.
The financial boost comes after a slow and frustrating window for Al-Ittihad, whose efforts to reinforce the squad had been restricted by limited resources. Although the club have been linked with a host of names in recent weeks, no new arrivals have yet been finalised.
Midfield rebuild the priority
Strengthening central midfield is understood to be the main objective, with Al-Ittihad in talks over several high-profile targets.
The club are negotiating for Egypt internationals Emam Ashour and Marwan Attia, as well as Morocco duo Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat. Nigerian midfielders Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi are also on the list of potential recruits.
The push for midfield reinforcements follows the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who left Al-Ittihad at the end of last season when his contract expired.
Reports have also suggested that further changes to the squad could follow, with the possible exits of Morocco forward Youssef En-Nesyri and Algeria international Houssem Aouar under consideration.
Response to trophyless season
Al-Ittihad’s transfer drive is being framed within a wider attempt to reset after a disappointing campaign in which the club failed to win any silverware.
The former Saudi champions finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League, missing out on the title race and slipping behind their leading domestic rivals. Their continental and domestic cup runs were also cut short.
In the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Ittihad were knocked out at the quarter-final stage, while their bids in both the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup ended in the semi-finals.
Club officials are keen to avoid a repeat of that outcome and see the current window as an opportunity to overhaul key areas of the team, particularly in midfield, to mount stronger challenges on all fronts.
Early season test in Asia
Al-Ittihad’s first competitive fixture of the new season will come in Asia, adding urgency to their recruitment plans.
The Saudi side are scheduled to face Al-Jazira of the United Arab Emirates on 11 August in the play-off round for a place in the AFC Champions League Elite.
With that qualifier looming, the club are working against the clock to convert their renewed financial backing into concrete signings, as they look to rebuild a squad capable of competing domestically and on the continental stage.
