Al Ittihad’s summer rebuild has escalated into a transfer tussle with fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah over Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to reports in Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
The Jeddah club, already exploring a move for Morocco international Azzedine Ounahi, now face the prospect of competing with another Saudi team for Amrabat’s signature as they seek to reinforce their midfield before the new season.
Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, citing a report from Turkish outlet Fanatik, says Al Ittihad are keen to sign Amrabat from Fenerbahce during the current transfer window. The Istanbul club, however, have yet to make a final decision on whether to let him go.
Al Qadsiah make first move
While Al Ittihad have not yet submitted a formal offer, newly-promoted Al Qadsiah are reported to have already tabled a bid worth €20m (£16.9m) to Fenerbahce for the Moroccan.
Al Ittihad’s proposal is expected to be in a similar financial range, setting up a direct battle between the two Saudi clubs for the 27-year-old’s services.
Fenerbahce are said to be carefully evaluating the offers on the table, weighing up both the financial terms and the impact of losing a key midfield player ahead of their own campaign.
Midfield overhaul at Al Ittihad
Al Ittihad have been heavily linked with several central midfielders this summer as they look to address what is viewed inside the club as a priority position.
Alongside their pursuit of Amrabat and Ounahi – who plays for La Liga side Girona – the Saudi Pro League giants have been associated with moves for Egypt internationals Imam Ashour and Marwan Attia, both of Al Ahly, as well as Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika of Club Bruges.
The club’s interest in multiple targets underlines the scale of the planned overhaul in the middle of the pitch, with the hierarchy intent on adding physicality, energy and creativity to the squad.
Fenerbahce yet to decide Amrabat future
Fenerbahce have not publicly confirmed any bids but, according to the Turkish reports passed on by Asharq Al-Awsat, the club are currently studying the proposals for Amrabat and have not closed the door on a possible sale.
The evaluation process includes technical considerations by the coaching staff, who must determine how Amrabat’s departure would affect the balance of the team, as well as the club’s broader sporting objectives for the upcoming season.
Any decision is likely to take into account Fenerbahce’s ambitions domestically and in Europe, and whether they can identify or secure a suitable replacement in time.
Ounahi remains on Ittihad radar
Al Ittihad’s interest in Azzedine Ounahi remains active, with previous reports indicating they view the Girona midfielder as another prime candidate to strengthen their midfield.
The club’s approach suggests a strategy of keeping multiple options open, enabling them to move quickly depending on how negotiations progress with European clubs and players.
With the transfer window still open and Saudi clubs continuing to invest heavily, the coming weeks are expected to be decisive in determining whether Sofyan Amrabat heads to the Saudi Pro League – and, if so, whether he lines up for Al Ittihad or Al Qadsiah.
