Al-Ittihad plan to sign a defender and striker amid uncertainty over En-Nesyri’s future

Saudi side Al-Ittihad are planning to sign a defender and a striker in the upcoming winter transfer window, according to Okaz, to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season. This comes as they sit fourth in the Saudi league with 24 points, three points behind leaders Al-Hilal, and tenth in the West region group of the AFC Champions League Elite with four points.

The report said that limited options, a lack of time and clubs’ high financial demands pose challenges to completing deals, while the club’s company is working to secure the necessary funding. It said that signing a new striker could raise questions about Yusuf En-Nesyri’s future, given the offers the player has received, but that this does not confirm he will leave.

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, CSKA Moscow have made En-Nesyri one of their priorities and intend to offer Al-Ittihad $15 million. Meanwhile, the player’s agent, Fahd Sarh, said offers had arrived for him, but stressed that the idea of his departure was not currently being considered and that his contract was ongoing. He added that the decision about his future rests with Al-Ittihad’s management and that En-Nesyri is focused on continuing his career with the team.

Al-Ittihad’s attacking options include En-Nesyri and Nigerian player George Ilenikhena. The report links the need for a defender to the lack of options in that position following Saad Al-Mousa’s return from injury, Hassan Kadesh’s injury, and doubts about the ability of Jan-Carlo Simic.

En-Nesyri joined Al-Ittihad from Fenerbahçe in last winter’s transfer window, according to the source. He has played 16 matches this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. He was also called up to Morocco’s squad for the current international break after missing the 2026 World Cup.