Third Time's the Charm? Ittihad's Final Move to Sign Defender Walid Al-Ahmad
21 January 2026
Transfer pursuit persists as Ittihad seeks third signing
In the January winter window, Al-Ittihad continues to negotiate for defender Walid Al-Ahmad from Al-Taawoun after two failed attempts this season.
According to Saudi daily Al-Riyadh, the club expects a decision from Taawoon today regarding the potential transfer, with Ittihad offering a financial package plus an annual salary for the player and alternative options on the table.
The aim is to sign a domestic defender during the window to strengthen the squad for the remainder of the campaign.
Earlier, Ittihad had tried to sign Abdulilah Al-Amri from Al-Nassr, but Al-Nassr reportedly countered with Moussa Diaby as part of a swap proposal; Al-Taawoun reportedly refused to loan Jihad Zekri to Ittihad.
Walid Al-Ahmad, 26, has been a standout for Taawoun this season, featuring in 15 matches across league and cup and scoring 4 goals. He earned a Saudi national team call-up in November 2025 and featured at the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar.
Punchline 1: If defense is a magic trick, Walid is pulling rabbits out of the back line. Punchline 2: Third time's a charm—or at least a very expensive door prize for the defenders' souvenir shop.
