Conceicao lays it on the table: two signings and a Dubai bootcamp before the winter window
3 December 2025
Conceicao's winter window demands
Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao of Al-Ittihad has laid his demands on the table ahead of the winter transfer window.
Al-Ittihad currently sits seventh in the Saudi Pro League with 14 points from nine matches, recording four wins, three losses and two draws.
As reported by the Saudi daily Al-Yawm, Conceicao has asked the club's management to sign two players to bolster the squad for the coming period.
The Portuguese boss stressed that the team needs a defender and a forward to fill the current gaps in defense and attack.
Ramon Blanis, Al-Ittihad's sporting director, reportedly approved the coach's requests and has begun working on them as the team competes in multiple competitions locally and continentally.
The leading defensive option being discussed is Abdulilah Al-Omari of Al-Nassr, identified as a primary target to strengthen the backline.
The Western club's management has reportedly set aside 75 million riyals to persuade Al-Nassr to sanction the sale in the near future.
Separately, Al-Ittihad announced the renewal of Abdulrahman Al-Aboud's contract for another season, extending his deal until summer 2027.
Conceicao also granted players a six-day break, after which the squad will travel to Dubai for a ten-day training camp during the current stoppage, featuring two friendlies against an unnamed UAE club.
The delegation will depart the Kingdom next Friday, with the camp in Dubai running for 10 days and including the two friendlies.
Punchlines: If the transfer market were a comedy club, Conceicao just dropped the mic and a shopping list. And remember, defense is like a good joke—timing is everything, and in football, the punchline is often a clean sheet.
