Al-Ittihad reach agreement to sign Mukhtar Ali from Al-Ettifaq

Al-Ittihad have reached an agreement with Al-Ettifaq to sign midfielder Mukhtar Ali on a three-year contract, with the move intended to strengthen their squad before the start of the new season.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, negotiations between the two Saudi Pro League clubs have concluded with a final agreement over the 28-year-old’s transfer. Mukhtar is now expected to leave Al-Ettifaq and join Al-Ittihad during the current summer transfer window.

The deal comes after Al-Ittihad midfielder Hamed Al-Ghamdi suffered a serious injury during a pre-season friendly against South African club Orlando Pirates. Al-Ghamdi sustained a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament, leaving the club needing to add greater depth in midfield.

Al-Ittihad’s coaching staff believe Mukhtar can provide an important option in the centre of the pitch. The club are preparing for a demanding campaign involving domestic and continental competitions, increasing the need for a squad capable of coping with a heavy schedule.

Mukhtar has built a varied career across England, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. He began his development in Chelsea’s academy, where he received his early football education before becoming part of the club’s youth side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2015 and 2016.

The midfielder subsequently moved to the Netherlands for a loan spell with Vitesse, gaining experience in European football before returning to continue his career elsewhere.

He arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2019, joining Al-Nassr. Mukhtar later represented Al-Fateh and Al-Tai before moving to Al-Ettifaq at the beginning of 2025. His agreement with Al-Ettifaq was a four-and-a-half-year contract.

That stay is now set to be cut short after Al-Ittihad made their move for the midfielder. The proposed three-year deal would give the club another experienced option as they look to reinforce their midfield ahead of the new campaign.

Al-Ittihad’s decision to pursue Mukhtar follows the injury setback affecting Al-Ghamdi and reflects the club’s efforts to complete their squad before competitive football resumes. His previous experience in the Saudi league, together with his background at Chelsea and Vitesse, is viewed by the technical staff as an asset.

The transfer remains subject to the completion of the formal process, but the agreement between Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq represents a significant step towards Mukhtar becoming the latest addition to the Jeddah club’s squad.