Al Ittihad head into the new season with renewed continental ambition after booking their place in the AFC Champions League Elite, but the path there exposed real tensions within the club. A 4-1 victory over UAE side Al-Jazira in Abu Dhabi on August 11 secured qualification through the playoff round, with goals from Steven Bergwijn (two), Hossam Awwar and Marwan Al-Sahfi delivering a comfortable margin. The result mattered because finishing fifth in the Saudi Pro League last season had forced the club into this preliminary round in the first place, a consequence of a disappointing campaign that ended Sergio Conceicao's tenure.

New head coach Jens Weisang, the 38-year-old German who guided Gamba Osaka to the AFC Champions League 2 title, earned his first meaningful win in charge. Yet the win came against a difficult backdrop. Reports indicate Weisang grew frustrated with club management within his first month, reportedly shocked by what he found upon arrival and entering the season with unresolved concerns over squad depth and transfer activity. A serious knee ligament injury to one player ahead of the Al-Jazira match added to his problems.

Off the pitch, Inter Milan are pursuing Al Ittihad winger Moussa Diaby with a new offer, meaning the club faces the prospect of losing a key asset before the window closes. With the Saudi Pro League season opening at home against Al Kholood on August 15 at King Abdullah Sports City, Weisang needs results quickly. The rebuild is underway, but the early signs suggest it will not be straightforward.