Al-Ittihad’s new German coach Jens Wissing has handed a starting role to Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri in his very first match in charge, despite growing speculation the forward could be heading for the exit.
The Saudi Pro League side face South Africa’s Orlando Pirates on Tuesday in Marbella, Spain, in their opening pre-season friendly under Wissing, who was recently appointed to lead the Jeddah club’s new era.
The friendly marks the beginning of the 35-year-old German’s tenure on the touchline and offers an early glimpse of his tactical approach and preferred personnel.
En-Nesyri leads the line amid transfer rumours
Wissing announced his first line-up for “the Tigers” with En-Nesyri named as the focal point of the attack.
The 27-year-old is flanked by French winger Moussa Diaby and Saudi wide man Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, signalling an attacking set-up for the German’s debut in charge.
En-Nesyri’s inclusion comes against the backdrop of reports in Moroccan and Saudi media suggesting he is close to a move away from the club ahead of the new season, with Moroccan side Maghreb de Fes said to be a leading contender for his signature.
Local reports have linked Maghreb de Fes with a new centre-forward as they seek to reinforce their frontline, identifying En-Nesyri as a potential replacement for star striker Soufiane Benjdida.
Benjdida recently departed the Botola Pro outfit to join Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the current summer transfer window, leaving a significant gap in attack.
Underwhelming numbers since winter move
En-Nesyri joined Al-Ittihad during the winter transfer window, arriving from Turkish club Fenerbahce with high expectations given his pedigree and experience in European football.
However, his impact in front of goal has so far been modest.
Since his move to Jeddah, the Morocco international has scored eight goals in 18 appearances in all competitions and provided just one assist.
While not a disastrous return, those figures have prompted debate among fans and pundits about whether he is the long-term solution for Al-Ittihad’s frontline as they aim to rebuild and challenge again domestically and in Asia.
Wissing’s decision to start the striker in his maiden match suggests he is prepared to give En-Nesyri an opportunity to stake a claim for a regular place – or, at the very least, to maintain his sharpness and market value should a transfer materialise.
New era for Al-Ittihad under Wissing
The Marbella training camp is viewed within the club as a critical phase in reshaping the squad after a turbulent campaign and managerial changes last season.
Wissing, known for his modern, high-intensity approach, is using the Spanish camp to assess his squad in competitive conditions and to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season.
The clash with Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most prominent clubs, offers a testing first assignment and a chance for fringe and new players to impress.
For En-Nesyri, the friendly could be an early audition to convince Wissing that he should remain central to Al-Ittihad’s plans – or a shop window performance as clubs such as Maghreb de Fes monitor his situation.
Al-Ittihad are expected to play a series of further friendlies in Spain before returning to Saudi Arabia, by which time the picture surrounding En-Nesyri’s future may be considerably clearer.
