Ittihad Stands Firm: Diaby, Kanté, and the Saudi Core Survive the Winter Transfer Window
28 January 2026
Stance on winter transfer bids
Al-Ittihad has locked in its position on four players amid winter bids, dismissing offers from both domestic and foreign clubs.
Diaby and Kanté kept for now
Journalist Ahmed Mansi reported on X that the management rejected selling French winger Mousa Diaby after Inter Milan made a formal loan proposal until the season's end, proposing to cover only 5% of his salary.
The offer included Diaby on loan through the season, with Inter paying just 5% of his wage.
Keeping the core
Similarly, Kanté attracted no green light, as the club declined a potential move to Fenerbahçe, preferring to keep the Frenchman for technical value through the season.
Preserving key Saudi players
Separately, Al-Ittihad also refused to part with Saudi stars Saleh Al-Shehri and Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, seeking to retain all internationals for the latter half of the season.
Earlier reports had linked Al-Shehri with Al-Shabab for more minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup finals, while Al-Hilal pressed for Al-Aboud.
Market and outlook
In the broader transfer market, interest from other clubs remains muted as Al-Ittihad prioritizes squad depth and domestic competition readiness.
The club's stance signals that the January window is about stability and growth rather than quick exits.
Punchlines
Punchline 1: If transfers were dating apps, Al-Ittihad would never swipe left on Diaby or Kanté.
Punchline 2: They’ve got more winter plans than a snow globe—only this time the snow is cleared and the budget is warm.
