Al-Ittihad turn to Under-21 winger Sohaib Hawsawi for Abha test

German manager Yens Vissing has included Al-Ittihad Under-21 winger Sohaib Hawsawi in the first-team squad for the first time this season ahead of Friday’s Roshn Saudi League match against Abha.

Al-Ittihad will travel to Abha for the 12th round fixture, which will be played at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium on 30 October 2026.

Saudi journalist Alaa Saeed reported that Hawsawi has been selected for the senior squad after making a strong impression in the Jawi Elite League Under-21 competition this season.

The 21-year-old has attracted attention with his performances and is known for his left-footed ability. He primarily operates as a right winger, offering Vissing another option in attack for the trip to Abha.

Hawsawi has helped Al-Ittihad Under-21 move to the top of the Saudi Under-21 league standings. The team have collected 22 points from seven wins and one draw, giving them a four-point advantage over second-placed Al-Ahli Under-21.

Al-Ittihad’s Under-21 side are scheduled to face Al-Ahli Under-21 on 1 November 2026, after the first team’s Roshn Saudi League meeting with Abha.

Hawsawi is not the only young Al-Ittihad player to have gained recognition in the competition. Striker Ammar Al-Ghamdi has also been among the standout performers over the past two seasons.

Al-Ghamdi is currently the Jawi Elite League’s third-highest scorer with seven goals. He is one goal behind Al-Ettifaq’s Mohammed Al-Essa and Al-Ahli’s Mousa Adam, who are the leading scorers of the competition.

Vissing’s decision to promote Hawsawi comes as Al-Ittihad prepare for their away fixture against Abha, with the winger’s form at Under-21 level earning him his first senior-team call-up of the current campaign.