Al-Ittihad have firmly shut down speculation surrounding the future of Houssem Aouar, insisting the Algerian midfielder is not for sale amid reported interest from European clubs.
Reports in recent days have linked Aouar with a potential move away from the Saudi Pro League side, with Premier League outfit Bournemouth and Ligue 1 teams Lille and Olympique de Marseille said to be monitoring his situation.
Some sources even suggested Bournemouth had submitted a formal bid for the former Lyon star.
However, those rumours have been swiftly refuted by Al-Ittihad.
Local media outlets have categorically stated that no negotiations are underway and the club has no intention of parting ways with the player, who remains a key figure in their plans.
Aouar, under contract with the Jeddah-based side until 2028, is preparing to embark on his second season with the club.
Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, the 26-year-old has impressed both management and supporters with his performances, playing a vital role in Al-Ittihad’s campaigns in the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup.
Sources close to the club emphasised the positive impact Aouar has had on the squad, highlighting his contribution to the team’s overall success last season.
His influence extends beyond the pitch, where he is known to maintain a strong rapport with head coach Laurent Blanc.
Equally significant is Aouar’s relationship with captain Karim Benzema.
The pair share a close bond that is said to have been instrumental in Aouar’s decision to join Al-Ittihad.
Benzema, a major figure in the club’s dressing room, reportedly played a key role in facilitating the midfielder’s arrival and integration into the squad.
Despite the buzz surrounding possible interest from Europe, Al-Ittihad have made their position crystal clear: Aouar is staying. With a long-term contract in place and the full backing of both the coaching staff and the club hierarchy, the Algerian international appears firmly settled in Jeddah.
As transfer speculation continues to swirl across the continent, Al-Ittihad’s stance underscores their commitment to stability and continuity — with Houssem Aouar at the heart of those ambitions.
