Shock Move on the Table: Conceicao Threatens to Walk Out of Al-Ittihad
5 February 2026
Background
Suspense surrounds Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao as reports claim he may terminate his contract with Al-Ittihad, a move that has stunned the club's leadership and unsettled the squad.
Al-Ittihad has been under pressure after Karim Benzema's departure to Al-Hilal following a failed renewal, leaving a gap in the attack and questions about the winter strategy.
The club also failed to renew French midfielder N'Golo Kanté's contract, opening the door for Fenerbahçe to snap up the remaining term if they choose.
Current Tensions
Saudi media figure Mohammed Al-Bakiri reported that Conceicao's frustration grew ahead of last night's training, with unrest spreading through the locker room.
The coach reportedly demanded to leave, citing the winter transfer file and the lack of midfield reinforcement as key reasons.
Outlook
Kanté's farewell appeared to ease tensions briefly, as the club's leadership tried to save face and avoid a public confrontation on camera.
Sources say Conceicao feels the club put him in a bind with management that prioritized offense over a defensive pivot, complicating his task in the coming weeks.
Punchline 1: If contract drama paid rent, Conceicao would already own a luxury villa in the desert.
Punchline 2: In football winter windows, the suspense is thicker than kebabs at a post-match buffet.
