Al Ittihad sit second in the Saudi Pro League after three games, but their position flatters a team still searching for consistency under coach Jens Weissfeller. A 3-2 win over Al Hazem on Monday provided the points, though the manner of victory left fans uneasy. Steven Bergwijn delivered the decisive moment with a hat-trick, including two penalties, after Al Ittihad twice conceded to come from behind. The win followed a narrow 1-0 victory over Al Qadsiah, when George Ilenikhena's stoppage-time strike settled a match played with ten men for much of the second half after Dion Lopy's red card. A draw on the opening day against Al Khulood means the club has yet to produce a commanding performance this season.

Off the pitch, the final weeks of the summer window have brought significant uncertainty. Moussa Diaby is edging toward a return to Bayer Leverkusen, while negotiations over Frank Kessie have stalled, with Roma now entering the race for the free agent midfielder. The club is exploring alternatives, with Risto Doan and Hisham Boudaoui identified as potential reinforcements. Fans voiced frustration during the Al Hazem match, calling publicly for new signings before the transfer deadline.

Al Ittihad travel to Al Fateh on August 29 knowing that Al Nassr, three points clear at the top, have won all three of their opening games. The gap is manageable, but the squad's depth and transfer activity will shape whether this early momentum holds.