Al Ittihad are building genuine momentum in the Saudi Pro League, sitting third with 14 points from six games after back-to-back wins have steadied the ship following a rocky start to the season. The 2-1 victory over Al-Fayha on Tuesday, with goals from George Ilenikhena and Youssef En-Nesyri, moved the club to within two points of leaders Al Hilal and gave coach Jens Weissfenning a platform to push for the title the club missed out on last season.

The win over Al-Fayha was not without concern, though. Midfielder Mokhtar Ali was confirmed absent through injury, forcing a reshuffle, and the club's tendency to struggle against lower-ranked opposition remains a talking point among supporters. A late goal conceded before half-time kept the margin tighter than the performance perhaps warranted.

Off the pitch, the summer transfer window closed with mixed results. The club signed Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer from Al-Ittifaq, but the high-profile pursuit of Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord collapsed in the final hours over a bank guarantee dispute, a failure that drew sharp criticism of the club's negotiating approach. Al Ittihad also announced a new partnership entering the film and drama industry, signalling broader commercial ambitions.

Thursday's away fixture against Al-Faisaly at Majmaah Sports City offers a chance to consolidate third place and keep pressure on the top two.