Al Ittihad head into Saturday's Saudi Pro League clash with Al Nassr carrying real uncertainty, both on the pitch and in the transfer market, as the window approaches its September 6 deadline. Sitting seventh with eight points from four games, the club drew 0-0 at Al Fateh on August 29, a result that continued a pattern of inconsistency after an earlier goalless draw with Al Fath. The squad needs reinforcement, and the front line is where the pressure is greatest.

The departure of French winger Moussa Diaby, who returned permanently to Bayer Leverkusen for a reported 30 million euros, left a gap that the club has struggled to fill. Their primary target, Feyenoord's Anis Hadj Moussa, remains out of reach. Al Ittihad raised their bid to 37.5 million euros, but Feyenoord's sporting director has publicly stated he has no intention of selling, with the Dutch transfer window already closed. The player himself is said to want the move, yet no deal is on paper.

With that pursuit stalling, the club has turned to alternatives. Reports link them to Sunderland's Moroccan international Chamseddine Talbi, though journalist Ben Jacobs has cast doubt on that option too. Names including Girona's Yaser Asprilla and Sporting CP's Geny Catamo have also been mentioned. Meanwhile, new signing Richard Rios, the Colombian midfielder on loan from Benfica, has been confirmed, though his availability for the Al Nassr fixture remains uncertain. The hosts on Saturday will need clarity in attack quickly, with Al Nassr arriving as one of the league's form sides.