Al-Ittihad are preparing to sign a defender and a forward in the January transfer window as they seek to remain in contention for every competition during the 2026-27 season.
The Saudi club are fourth in the Saudi Pro League with 24 points from seven wins, three draws and one defeat, three points behind leaders Al-Hilal.
Their form in the AFC Champions League Elite has been less convincing, with Al-Ittihad 10th in the Western Region standings on four points after one win, one draw and two losses.
Two positions targeted
According to Saudi newspaper Okaz, Al-Ittihad have begun outlining their recruitment plans and intend to bring in two players: one defender and one forward.
The club believe reinforcements are needed to improve the squad for the second half of the campaign, with the current group considered insufficient to sustain a challenge for honours through to the end of the season.
However, the January market presents several difficulties, including a limited number of available players and a short period in which to complete deals. Clubs are also expected to increase their financial demands when selling players because of those constraints.
Al-Ittihad’s club company is working on agreements to secure the funding required for the proposed signings, with no obstacles currently reported in that process.
A defensive addition would address a shortage of options in that area. Saad Al-Mousa has returned from injury, but his team-mate Hassan Kadesh has since been affected by an injury, while the club are not convinced by the performances of Serbian defender Jan-Carlo Simic.
The proposed move for another striker, however, could raise questions over the future of Morocco international Yusuf En-Nesyri.
En-Nesyri linked with exit
En-Nesyri has reportedly received strong offers to leave the Saudi club in recent weeks. Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur said in a post on his X account last Saturday that Russian club CSKA Moscow had made the striker a priority target for the January window.
Konur added that CSKA Moscow intended to offer $15m to persuade Al-Ittihad to sell the Morocco forward.
But En-Nesyri’s agent, Fahd Sarh, denied that the player wanted to leave during the upcoming transfer window and said his attention remained focused on achieving his ambitions with Al-Ittihad.
“Offers have indeed arrived for Yusuf En-Nesyri in recent weeks, in preparation for a move during the January transfer window,” Sarh told Saudi outlet Al-Maidan.
“The idea of En-Nesyri leaving Al-Ittihad is not under consideration at present, and the player’s contract with the club remains in place.
“Any decision concerning En-Nesyri’s future will be the responsibility of Al-Ittihad’s management, but the player is currently focused on continuing his career with the team and achieving further success.”
Al-Ittihad also have Nigeria forward George Ilenikhena available in attack, meaning a new striker may not be required if both players remain at the club.
En-Nesyri joined Al-Ittihad last winter from Turkish club Fenerbahce, replacing French striker Karim Benzema after his move to rivals Al-Hilal.
The 29-year-old has made 16 appearances under German coach Jens Wissing this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. His form earned him a recall to the Morocco squad during the current international break after he missed the Atlas Lions’ 2026 World Cup campaign.
