Al-Ittihad, one of the Kingdom's most prominent football clubs, officially announced the strengthening of its defense with the signing of young Cameroonian defender Stefan Keller. The 24-year-old arrived in Jeddah on Saturday evening, where he was received by the club's sporting director, Ramon Planes, before signing his contract to join the "Dean" (Al-Ittihad's nickname) from Cypriot club AEL Limassol.
Keller's loan deal with Al-Ittihad runs until the end of the 2025/26 season, a move aimed at strengthening the team's defense as they strive to compete strongly on all domestic and continental fronts. Planes welcomed the new player, wishing him success and hoping he would contribute to fulfilling the club's large fan base's aspirations in the upcoming competitions.
Context of the deal and its importance in the Saudi football project
This signing comes amidst a football revolution in Saudi Arabia, where Saudi Pro League clubs have become a destination for some of the world's biggest stars thanks to significant support from the Public Investment Fund. While Keller isn't a household name, his transfer reflects the Saudi clubs' strategy of building well-rounded teams that don't rely solely on star strikers, but also seek to bring in promising young talents in other positions to ensure balance and continuity.
Al-Ittihad, with its rich history as one of the oldest and most popular clubs in Saudi Arabia, is a key player in this ambitious project. After winning the league title last season, the club aims to maintain and strengthen its position, especially given the fierce competition from clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ahli, who have bolstered their squads with high-profile signings.
The expected impact of Killer on Al-Ittihad's defense
Stefan Keller, with his strong physique and European experience, is expected to add depth and solidity to Al-Ittihad's defense. His arrival comes at a crucial time as the team prepares to continue its campaign in domestic competitions, in addition to the greater challenge of the AFC Champions League, a tournament that the club's management and fans consider a top priority.
Al-Ittihad is preparing for a crucial match next Tuesday, as they host Qatari side Al-Gharafa at 9:15 PM, in the seventh round of the group stage of the current AFC Champions League. The team aims to achieve a positive result in this match to strengthen their position in the group, and this game could be the first opportunity for new signing Stefan Keller to make his debut for the "Tigers.".
