Al Ittihad are at a crossroads this season, with questions mounting over the squad's depth and direction after a turbulent run of results. The most pressing concern is the 4-1 home loss to Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite, a result that exposed defensive frailties and dented confidence at a club still searching for consistency under German coach Jens Wessing. In the Saudi Pro League, the club sit fourth with 24 points from 11 games, keeping them in the title picture but some distance behind the leading pack.

Off the pitch, the squad situation is growing complicated. Defender Saad Al Mousa is entering the final months of his contract, and his agent has publicly denied that the club has made any renewal offer, contradicting reports suggesting talks were underway. With several players set to enter the free period of their contracts in January 2027, Wessing faces a January window that could prove decisive for the squad's shape. Interest in Leipzig defender Abdoul Konate has been reported, though Leipzig confirmed no formal offer has arrived, leaving that door open rather than closed.

Next up for the club is a home AFC Champions League Elite group stage match against Pakhtakor Tashkent on 23 November, a fixture that offers a chance to rebuild momentum after the Al-Ain setback. Getting a positive result there matters, both for confidence and for keeping their continental campaign on track.