Al-Ittihad secure Mohammed Flatah with new contract after Laurent Blanc breakthrough

Al-Ittihad have extended Mohammed Flatah’s contract for a further three years, keeping the promising midfielder at the Saudi club until 2029.

The deal was announced by Al-Ittihad on Thursday as the club continued its active preparations during the current summer transfer window. The extension is intended to secure one of the club’s most highly rated young players, with Flatah regarded as a developing talent expected to have a bright future.

Flatah joined Al-Ittihad’s first-team set-up approximately two years ago, making the step up in 2024 under French manager Laurent Blanc. He was only 17 at the time, but Blanc was impressed by his ability and decided to promote him to the senior squad.

Despite that early rise, Flatah has not had many opportunities to play in recent seasons. The club’s decision to retain him with a long-term contract could give him an important opportunity to establish himself under new German manager Jens Wissing.

Wissing may look to Flatah for greater involvement during the coming campaign, particularly because Al-Ittihad currently have a noticeable shortage of numbers in midfield. The youngster’s new agreement ensures he will remain available to the squad as the club prepares for a demanding start to the season.

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Al-Ittihad have also been active in the transfer market in recent hours. The club have completed the signing of left-back Fares Abdi from NEOM, while Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy has joined from Almeria after Al-Ittihad activated the purchase clause in his agreement.

The Saudi club have also completed the permanent signing of their Cameroon defender Stefan Keller, following the activation of the purchase option in his contract.

Those moves form part of Al-Ittihad’s preparations for the opening fixtures of the new season. Their first competitive match is scheduled for 11 August, when they will face Al Jazira in the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League Elite.

Al-Ittihad will then begin their Saudi league campaign on Saturday, 15 August. They are due to host Al Kholood at Alinma Stadium in the opening round.

The new contract for Flatah represents another step in the club’s efforts to protect and develop its emerging players while strengthening the squad around them. His progress began under Blanc, who gave him his senior chance at the age of 17, and he will now remain with Al-Ittihad through 2029 as the club enters a new season under Wissing.