The Saudi Al-Ittihad team has returned to Jeddah after a training camp "Al-Ameed" held in Spain, during which the team played four friendly matches as part of preparations for the new 2026-2027 season.
"Al-Ameed" is preparing for the start of the new season, which will begin with the AFC Champions League Elite against Emirati Al-Jazira on August 11 in the preliminary round.
German coach Jens Wissing is seeking to make a good start with "The Tigers," especially as the team enters the season facing many challenges, both domestically and continentally.
The German coach wants to improve the team's results compared to last season, after failing domestically and continentally in all competitions and leaving without winning any title.
Concern over transfers
The transfer file is the main concern for Al-Ittihad fans, as the administration has not yet completed any deal to strengthen the team ahead of the new season.
The western club recently released Albanian international Mario Mitaj, the team's left-back, who moved to Italian club Genoa on loan with an option to buy.
What worries Al-Ittihad fans is that the team faces a continental match in a few days, and in case of defeat it would exit the competition early, putting the administration and technical staff under pressure from the start of the season.
Al-Ittihad fans believe the team has not been adequately reinforced in certain positions, especially in midfield and attack, which could affect the team's performance both against Al-Jazira and throughout the new season.
Coach's priority
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Jazira, Al-Ittihad coach Jens Wissing's priority is to sign players in midfield, specifically in the (6) and (8) positions, as this area suffers from a significant numerical shortage.
"Al-Ameed" lost N'Golo Kanté to Turkish club Fenerbahçe during the winter transfer window, Brazilian international Fabinho's contract expired, and Hamed Al-Ghamdi suffered an ACL injury.
Senegalese midfielder Dion Lopy of Spanish second-division side Almería has been linked with a move to "Al-Ameed" to bolster the midfield.
Egyptian international Emam Ashour of Al-Ahly is also among the names linked with a transfer to Al-Ittihad, although the sporting department has not yet made any official offers.
The 28-year-old's contract is set to expire in summer 2028, and he has attracted significant interest from foreign clubs after participating in the 2026 World Cup.
