Al Ittihad enter the 2026-27 season carrying the weight of a difficult year, and the early signs suggest the road to recovery will not be straightforward. The club drew 1-1 with Al Kholood on the opening Saudi Pro League weekend, a result that left them eighth in the table with just one point from one game. Defender Danilo Pereira received a straight red card in the 58th minute, forcing new German head coach Jens Weissenborn to manage the final half-hour with ten men, and the dismissal sparked widespread refereeing debate. Youssef En-Nesyri had given the Tigers the lead before Julian Dominguez equalised, and the dropped points frustrated fans who had hoped for an immediate improvement under Weissenborn.

Tuesday's King Cup round-of-32 tie against Al Najma offered some relief. Al Ittihad won 3-0, with Nigerian forward George Ilenikhena scoring twice and Danilo Pereira adding a third, to book their place in the last 16. The performance was described as more than satisfactory under the new coach, giving supporters a reason for cautious optimism.

Off the pitch, the club continues to deal with reported administrative and financial difficulties that have built up since last season, when they finished fifth in the league and failed to win any silverware. Reports also indicate contact with the agent of an Al Ahli player as Weissenborn pushes for reinforcements, with a deal for Frank Kessie said to be progressing. Al Ittihad face Al Qadsiah away in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, a match that carries early but real significance given the points already dropped.