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The Reset Era Begins: Barca's Brain Behind Al-Ittihad's Gate Exits, Sparking a Fresh Start

22 March 2026

The Reset Era Begins: Barca's Brain Behind Al-Ittihad's Gate Exits, Sparking a Fresh Start
Al-Ittihad faces a pivotal moment as leadership and squad strategies are re-evaluated.

Overview

The Saudi club Al-Ittihad has launched a reform drive ahead of the 2026-2027 season, aiming to rebound from disappointing results this campaign. The team was eliminated from the King Cup in the semi-finals after a penalty defeat to Al-Khaleej last Wednesday, and now sits sixth in the Roshen Pro League, 25 points adrift of leaders Al-Nassr.

Management, transfers and winter window

According to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadia, Al-Ittihad plans to terminate Spanish sporting director Ramon Planes, with a full review of legal matters underway to formalize the decision in the coming days. These reports coincide with claims by Portuguese coach Sergio Conceição of mismanagement in the winter transfer window.

In the recent winter window, the club acquired only two forwards, Moroccan Youssef En-Nesyri from Fenerbahce and Nigerian George Elinykhina from Monaco, following the departure of Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kanté to Al-Hilal and Fenerbahce, respectively.

Leadership history and legacy

Ramón Planes has been in the sporting director role at Al-Ittihad since January 2024, helping assemble the squad that won last season's Roshen League and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup. The same report recalls Planes' prior stint at Barcelona in 2020-2021, after leading football operations at the club from 2018 to 2020, underscoring that his influence travels beyond a single season.

Punchline one: If every plan had wings, Planes would have the team airborne by noon.

Punchline two: The transfer window may close, but the bench still believes in miracles.

Author

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered Al-Ittihad’s overhaul?

Reports of leadership changes and critiques over transfer policy during the winter window have put the sporting director role in focus.

Who is Ramon Planes?

The club’s sporting director since January 2024, previously Barcelona’s sporting director in 2020-2021 and a key figure in building last season’s title-winning squad.

Which players were signed in the winter window?

Moroccan Youssef En-Nesyri from Fenerbahce and Nigerian George Elinykhina from Monaco were the main additions.

What did Sergio Conceição complain about?

Mismanagement of the transfer file during the current winter transfer window, according to reports.