Al Ittihad are riding a wave of confidence after climbing to second place in the Saudi Pro League, sitting just one point behind leaders Al Hilal with 17 points from seven games. The turnaround feels significant given the club finished fifth last season without a trophy to show for their efforts. Back-to-back wins over Al Faisaly and Al Faisaly have sharpened the mood around the club, with Youssef En-Nesyri emerging as a key figure and striker George Ilenikhena contributing four league goals alongside him.

The managerial transition has been a central storyline. Sergio Conceicao, who left before the season began, told DAZN Portugal that his time at the club did not go well, citing the pressure of expectations in Saudi football. His replacement, young German coach Jens Wessing, arrived with a notable endorsement. Sports analyst Hattan Al-Najjar revealed that Jurgen Klopp personally recommended Wessing to the club's leadership, describing him as a future top manager. Early signs suggest the appointment is working.

Off the pitch, the club announced a partnership entering the cinema and drama industry, a move described as unprecedented in the Arab world. Midfielder Mokhtar Ali remains sidelined through injury, though the squad has shown enough depth to absorb his absence.

Next up is an AFC Champions League Elite fixture against Al-Shamal on September 14, a chance to build momentum across two competitions as the title race with Al Hilal and Al Nassr begins to take shape.