Al-Ittihad makes a strategic push for a Qadsiah defender in the January window
13 January 2026
Defensive reinforcement on the radar
Reports on Tuesday indicate Al-Ittihad is pursuing one of Al-Qadsiah's defenders to reinforce the backline during the January window.
Head coach Sergio Conceicao signals a busy mercato, aiming to reinforce several positions after a challenging start to the year.
With center-back a priority, the club has spoken with several teams and set its sights on Jihad Zakri of Al-Qadsiah.
Saudi outlet Al-Riyadhia reported an official bid from Al-Ittihad for Zakri in this window, with a loan until the end of the season.
Zakri had drawn interest from giants such as Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr before Ittihad moved in.
Humor aside, this move could sharpen Ittihad’s defense for the rest of the season. After all, if defense wins trophies, why not invite a wall to the squad?
