Ittihad’s Fresh Blood Sparks Confidence Ahead of Al-Gharafa Showdown
8 February 2026
New Signings Boost Ittihad Ahead of Al-Gharafa
Sergio Conceicao, the coach of Al-Ittihad, is refreshing the squad ahead of Tuesday's clash with Al-Gharafa in the seventh round of the Elite group stage of the AFC Champions League.
The team aims to shake off the gloom after Karim Benzema's departure to Al-Hilal in the final hours of the winter transfer window, followed by a 2-0 defeat to Al-Nassr in the Roshn Saudi League last Friday.
Saudi daily Al-Riyadhia reported that Conceicao called up winter signings George Elinikhina and Stefan Keller for the match day squad.
It's the first time the duo have joined the squad for a competitive match since their winter arrivals.
Sources also indicate Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri has joined the list in preparation for the game at the Al-Enmaa Stadium in Jeddah.
Ittihad will complete preparations with a final training open to fans on Monday at the club's stadium, while the main training will take place tonight.
Ittihad sit sixth in the group with nine points, while Al-Gharafa are ninth with six.
Punchline 1: If Conceicao's new signings are as precise as a sniper, the goal net won't know what hit it.
Punchline 2: Winter transfers? More like winter wins — grab your scarves, the show is about to start.
