Al-Ittihad receive fresh financial backing to reignite summer transfer plans

Al-Ittihad are poised to re-enter the summer transfer market with renewed intent after receiving fresh financial backing in recent hours, according to reports in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan said on X that the Jeddah club’s coffers have been boosted, adding that Al-Ittihad are now expected to complete “more than one signing” before the start of the new season.

The financial injection comes after a frustrating window to date, during which Al-Ittihad have been heavily linked with several targets but have so far failed to complete any deals because of previously limited resources.

Midfield overhaul the priority

Rebuilding the midfield is understood to be the club’s priority as they look to reshape the squad for the coming campaign.

Al-Ittihad are in negotiations with Egypt internationals Imam Ashour and Marwan Attia, as well as Morocco midfielders Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat. Nigeria internationals Raphael Onyedika and Wilfred Ndidi are also on the club’s shortlist.

The targeted recruitment drive follows the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who left at the end of last season when his contract expired.

Reports in Saudi Arabia additionally suggest that further high-profile exits remain possible, with Morocco forward Youssef En-Nesyri and Algeria midfielder Houssem Aouar both mentioned as players who could yet leave the club.

Response to disappointing season

Al-Ittihad’s push to strengthen comes in the wake of a season in which they missed out on all major trophies.

The Jeddah side finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League, well adrift of the title race, and exited the AFC Champions League Elite at the quarter-final stage. Their domestic cup campaigns ended in similar fashion, with the club knocked out of both the King’s Cup and the Saudi Super Cup in the semi-finals.

Those results have increased pressure on the hierarchy to refresh the squad and deliver a stronger challenge on multiple fronts in 2024-25.

Early test in Asia

Al-Ittihad will not have long to wait before their revamped squad, if completed in time, faces a significant test.

Their first competitive fixture of the new season is scheduled for 11 August, when they meet Al Jazira of the United Arab Emirates in the play-off for a place in the AFC Champions League Elite.

Club officials are therefore working against the clock to finalise incoming transfers, with the new funding expected to accelerate negotiations for the midfielders on their list and potentially others, as Al-Ittihad attempt to rebuild quickly enough to make an impact at home and in Asia.