Al Ittihad are riding a wave of confidence after a 2-1 derby victory over Al Nassr at King Abdullah Sports City, a result that underlined their capacity to compete at the top of the Saudi Pro League. The win, secured in Matchday 5, was lit up by a spectacular overhead goal from Nigerian striker George Iheanacho, a finish so striking that media figures have called for it to become the symbol of the league's current era. The victory leaves Al Ittihad fifth in the standings on 11 points from five games, one point behind Neom SC above them, with Al Hilal still setting the pace at the summit.

Off the pitch, the transfer window closed with a notable frustration. Al Ittihad had pushed hard to sign Algerian winger Anis Hadjmoussa from Feyenoord in a deal worth 42.5 million euros, but the Dutch club's board blocked the move at the final hour, demanding a bank guarantee that Ittihad declined to provide. Dutch football analysts have since pointed to internal governance issues at Feyenoord, rather than any financial concern about the Saudi club, as the real reason the deal collapsed. In response, the club moved quickly to sign Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer from Al Ittifaq, adding experience to the squad. Hadjmoussa himself responded on social media, signalling his own disappointment at the failed move.

Attention now turns to Tuesday's home match against Al-Fayha, a chance to build on the derby momentum and close the gap on the league leaders.