Al Ittihad's inconsistency is the defining story of their early season, and Saturday's goalless draw at Al Fateh crystallised the problem. Despite creating chances, the Jeddah club lacked a cutting edge against Al Fateh's goalkeeper, leaving them fourth in the Saudi Pro League on eight points from four games, two wins and two draws with no defeats. That record is respectable, but with Al Nassr already on 12 points and Al Hilal on nine, the gap to the top is growing.

The result comes at a moment when the club's transfer business is unfinished. Moussa Diaby's departure to Bayer Leverkusen left a gap on the right, and Al Ittihad have been working to fill it before the summer window closes. Reports link them to Eintracht Frankfurt winger Ritsu Doan for around 30 million euros, while there has also been an enquiry to Juventus about Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova, who is not in Luciano Spalletti's plans. Talks over Frank Kessie have stalled after Juventus negotiations collapsed, opening a potential route for the club. A return for Karim Benzema has been publicly dismissed by Saudi media figures close to the club.

With the window set to close shortly, manager Jens Weisang needs reinforcements in place before matchday five. That fixture is a home clash against Al Nassr on September 5, a match that will test where Al Ittihad genuinely stand this season.