In a surprising development that could shake the foundations of Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad, the reigning champions of the Saudi Professional League, press reports have revealed that three of its most prominent foreign players wish to leave the team during the current winter transfer window. This news comes as a shock to the sports community, especially given the team's struggles with poor results and inconsistent performances this season.
Background to the event: Big ambitions and unexpected challenges
The summer of 2023 witnessed a true revolution in Saudi football, as clubs in the Saudi Professional League, backed by the Public Investment Fund, attracted a constellation of the brightest stars in world football. Al-Ittihad was at the forefront of these clubs, bolstering its ranks with high-profile signings, most notably the acquisition of Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, French World Cup winner N'Golo Kanté, Brazilian star Fabinho, and Portuguese winger Diogo Jota. These signings raised expectations sky-high, with Al-Ittihad expected to maintain its domestic dominance and compete strongly on the Asian and global stage, especially with its participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Details of the crisis: “The project has changed.”
According to journalist Sacha Tavoleri, via his X account, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and another player (mistakenly identified in some sources as Moussa Diaby) are unhappy at the club. The report indicates that the players are no longer confident in the club's current sporting project, believing it has "changed and diverged" from what was presented to them upon signing. These statements, if true, raise serious questions about the club's internal environment and the board's strategy, particularly following the dismissal of coach Nuno Espírito Santo and the appointment of Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo.
Expected impact and future of the team
The departure of stars of this caliber mid-season would not only be a technical loss but also a significant blow to the image of Saudi sports as a whole. The stability and retention of these players is a key indicator of the league's success in attracting and retaining top international talent. Domestically, their departure will complicate Al-Ittihad's task of defending their title and returning to winning ways. Reports indicate that the players are already considering offers to leave Jeddah, placing immense pressure on the club's management to find swift solutions, either by persuading them to stay or by seeking suitable replacements in the winter transfer window. Amidst this crisis, the team is preparing to face Al-Najma in the 20th round of the Roshan Professional League, a match that will be a true test of the team's cohesion and its ability to insulate itself from administrative problems.
