Ittihad Secures Core, Eyes a Renewed Dynasty: Al-Aboud Stays On
1 December 2025
Contract renewal aims to keep key players
Journal reports reveal a surprising move by Al-Ittihad's management to secure the stay of a key player.
The club also seeks to renew deals for core players in the near term, notably French stars N'Golo Kanté and Karim Benzema, Brazilian Fabinho, and Saudi winger Abdulrahman Al-Aboud.
Abdulrahman Al-Aboud signs on for another season
According to the Saudi outlet Al-Riyadhiah, Al-Ittihad succeeded in renewing Abdulrahman Al-Aboud for one more season, to run through the summer of 2027.
The contract was originally set to expire next summer, but the Tigers moved quickly to secure him before the free-agent window opened.
Officials said the club reached a full agreement with the player on monetary and contractual terms, with an official announcement still pending.
Al-Aboud has been one of the key weapons for coach Laurent Blanc, following a period of marginalization under Nuno Santos and Marcelo Giardo.
Since Sergio Conceição took charge this season, his playing time has declined, yet the club still chose to retain him for another spell.
Al-Aboud played a central role in last season's double triumph: the Saudi Pro League title and the King's Cup.
Punchline: In football terms, that extension is basically a headshot—pinpoint, decisive, and the other teams still ducking.
Punchline: If loyalty paid as well as bonuses, Al-Aboud would be wearing a golden boot and a golden parachute.
