Al Ittihad are building early momentum in the Saudi Pro League after a hard-fought 3-2 win over Al Hazem on August 24, a result that lifted them to third place with seven points from three matches. The victory was not comfortable. Al Hazem scored first and equalised in the second half before Steven Bergwijn settled the contest with a late penalty, completing a hat-trick that papered over what was a nervy performance. One point separates Ittihad from second-placed Al Hilal, and the early table suggests a tight title race is forming.

Off the pitch, the club's activity in the final days of the summer window is the bigger story. With Moussa Diaby having departed for Bayer Leverkusen, manager Jens Vessing is pushing to bring in reinforcements. Reports indicate Risto Doan of Eintracht Frankfurt is close to joining for around 30 million euros, a fee that has drawn criticism given his market valuation. The club is also said to be in advanced negotiations to sign a player from rivals Al Nassr in what would be a significant domestic move.

There is further squad uncertainty. An existing Ittihad player's agency has publicly signalled a possible exit if Frank Kessie arrives, adding internal tension to an already busy window. Reports linking Karim Benzema with a return from Al Hilal have circulated but appear unlikely to materialise. Ittihad travel to Al Fateh on August 29, a side sitting near the bottom of the table, presenting a chance to consolidate their position before the window closes.