Youssef En-Nesyri faces uncertain future as Al-Ittihad consider summer exit

Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri could be heading toward an early exit from Al-Ittihad only months after arriving in Saudi Arabia, with reports suggesting the club are already considering reshaping their attack ahead of next season.

The Moroccan international joined the Jeddah-based side in February following his move from Fenerbahçe in a deal reportedly worth around €15 million. He was brought in to strengthen the club’s forward line after the departure of Karim Benzema and was expected to become a key figure in the team’s new project.

Despite showing flashes of quality, En-Nesyri has reportedly struggled to fully convince club officials during his short spell in the Saudi Pro League. According to Saudi media reports, Al-Ittihad’s management believe his performances have not entirely matched expectations.

The 28-year-old scored eight goals in 17 appearances for the club, a respectable return for a player adapting to a new environment and league. However, observers close to the club reportedly believe his overall influence and tactical fit have not aligned perfectly with the coaching staff’s plans.

Reports also suggest that concerns extend beyond statistics, with some analysts pointing to difficulties adapting to the team’s playing system and attacking structure.

As a result, Al-Ittihad are believed to have started exploring alternative attacking options ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Club officials are reportedly targeting another high-profile striker capable of leading the line as they continue strengthening the squad.

That development has intensified speculation surrounding En-Nesyri’s future, with an early departure now considered a realistic possibility despite his recent arrival in Saudi football.

The coming weeks are expected to prove decisive as Al-Ittihad evaluate their attacking options and determine whether the Moroccan forward remains part of the club’s long-term plans.

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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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