Al Ittihad began the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season with a stumble, drawing 1-1 at home against Al Kholood on matchday one. Youssef En-Nesyri gave the side the lead before half-time, but the match turned sharply against Jens Weisang's team when defender Danilo Pereira received a straight red card in the 58th minute. Kholood equalised shortly after, and Ittihad were left to hold on with ten men for the final half-hour. The result leaves them eighth in the early standings, one point behind the seven clubs who won their opening fixtures.

The performance raised immediate questions about the squad's defensive solidity, with post-match coverage noting the same structural vulnerabilities that plagued the club during a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, when they finished fifth in the league, won no silverware and were eliminated from the AFC Champions League Elite. Manager Weisang, appointed this summer to lead a rebuild, now faces added pressure heading into a busy fixture run.

Off the pitch, reports indicate Weisang has already decided to move one unnamed player on, with Al Ahli identified as a potential destination. The future of striker George Ilenikhena also remains unresolved, with his agent publicly outlining what the player wants from the club amid interest from elsewhere.

The next test arrives quickly. Ittihad travel to face Al Najma in the King Cup round of 32 on August 18, before returning to league action against Al Qadsiah on August 21.