Al-Ittihad turn to Georginio Wijnaldum to strengthen squad before transfer window closes

Al-Ittihad are putting the finishing touches to a deal for Georginio Wijnaldum, with the Dutch midfielder currently undergoing a medical ahead of a potential free transfer to the Saudi Pro League club.

According to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Wijnaldum will sign officially for Al-Ittihad if he successfully completes the medical. The move would mark his return to the Saudi Pro League through a new club after he left Al-Ettifaq at the beginning of the current season.

The proposed signing is viewed as an important addition for Al-Ittihad, who are seeking to reinforce their squad before the summer transfer window closes. Wijnaldum would bring experience, technical quality and the ability to operate in several positions, giving the club greater flexibility within its team structure.

The 34-year-old already knows Saudi football well after spending three seasons with Al-Ettifaq. During that period, he performed strongly both technically and physically, establishing himself as an influential figure in the side.

Wijnaldum’s role at Al-Ettifaq extended beyond that of a conventional central midfielder. He was also used in more advanced attacking positions, including as a false nine, where his experience, movement between the lines and ability to arrive in the penalty area allowed him to contribute in different ways.

In total, Wijnaldum made 101 appearances for Al-Ettifaq. He scored 38 goals and provided 17 assists, meaning he was directly involved in 55 goals during his three years with the club.

Those figures underline the impact he had in the Saudi Pro League and help explain why Al-Ittihad are interested in bringing him back to the competition. His previous experience in the country could also allow him to settle more quickly than a player arriving in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

Wijnaldum left Al-Ettifaq after his contract expired at the start of the current campaign. A move to Al-Ittihad would therefore give him the opportunity to continue his career in the same league while joining a new team with a different sporting project.

For Al-Ittihad, completing the deal would provide the squad with a player capable of filling both midfield and advanced attacking roles. His familiarity with the competition, combined with his record of goals and assists, may help him enter the coaching staff’s plans without requiring a lengthy adaptation period.

The transfer remains dependent on the outcome of the medical, but the agreement is now close and Al-Ittihad are hopeful of finalising the move as the summer transfer window approaches its conclusion.