Al-Ettifaq prepares for player departures as transfer window closes
Al-Ettifaq is gearing up for significant changes in their squad as the Saudi Pro League transfer window nears its end. The club is actively looking to offload two of its foreign players, Karl Toko-Ekambi and Demarai Gray, to make room for a new striker, as demanded by head coach Steven Gerrard.
Karl Toko-Ekambi, who joined Al-Ettifaq last winter from Abha, made a notable impact during his first season, scoring six goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances.
Despite starting the first two games of the current season, the Cameroonian forward has struggled to make a significant impact, prompting the club to consider his departure.
Demarai Gray, who signed with Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023 after leaving Everton, has had a mixed spell at the club.
The Jamaican winger, known for his pace and creativity on the left flank, scored four goals and registered four assists in 27 matches last season.
However, his future at the Dammam-based club now hangs in the balance as Gerrard looks to revamp his attacking options.
The primary reason for these potential exits is the Saudi Pro League’s limit on foreign players.
After the recent loan of Congolese defender Marcel Tisserand to Al-Khaleej and the replacement of Brazilian goalkeeper Paulo Victor with Slovakian shot-stopper Marek Rodák, Al-Ettifaq currently has nine foreign players over the age of 23.
To comply with the league’s regulations, which allow only eight foreign players, the club must reduce this number before making any new signings.
Gerrard’s focus is on bringing in a striker who can complement Moussa Dembélé, and the departure of either Toko-Ekambi or Gray would free up a crucial foreign player slot.
Meanwhile, Vitinho, the Brazilian winger who returned to Al-Ettifaq this summer after a loan spell at Al-Shabab, is set to stay at the club.
The 30-year-old impressed Gerrard during the pre-season and in the first two matches of the Saudi Pro League, leading the manager to request that the club retain him.
Vitinho joined Al-Ettifaq in 2022 from Flamengo and has become a valuable asset to the team. Although his contract runs until June 2025, discussions are expected to take place regarding a possible extension to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
If necessary, a move during the winter transfer window could be considered to ensure the club benefits financially from his departure.
As the transfer window edges closer to its deadline, Al-Ettifaq’s management faces crucial decisions regarding their squad composition.
The potential departures of Toko-Ekambi and Gray could pave the way for new talent, ensuring the team remains competitive in the Saudi Pro League.
