Al-Ittihad set to release three players in January as Jens Wissing plans squad changes

Al-Ittihad head coach Jens Wissing is preparing to make significant changes to his squad during the January transfer window, with at least three players expected to leave the club.

A source close to Al-Ittihad told Kooora that the German coach wants to create space in the squad for new signings who can meet his tactical requirements. Wissing is understood to be assessing several positions as he begins to reshape the team according to his footballing ideas and the demands of the second half of the season.

The source said Wissing is not fully satisfied with the contribution of some members of the current squad and believes changes are required in more than one position.

Saudi Arabia forward Saleh Al-Shehri is reportedly the leading candidate to depart. Wissing is said to be keen to bring in a younger striker, which has placed Al-Shehri’s future at the club under particular scrutiny.

Wissing is expected to submit a technical report to the Al-Ittihad board in the coming days. The report will include his assessment of a number of players, along with recommendations regarding their futures.

It is expected to include two other names: Muath Faqihi and Hamad Al-Ghamdi. That would make the trio the leading candidates to leave Al-Ittihad in January, although their situations could change if the coaching staff’s plans are revised.

The proposed departures are intended to open places in the squad and give the club’s management greater scope to recruit players capable of carrying out Wissing’s instructions on the pitch.

Al-Ittihad are competing strongly in several competitions this season, particularly the AFC Champions League Elite and the Roshn Saudi League. The club is therefore seeking additions who can help it achieve the success expected across those campaigns.

The report comes as Wissing works to define the squad he wants for the remainder of the season, with the January window providing an opportunity to address what he sees as weaknesses in the current group.

The source stressed that the three players remain the most prominent candidates to leave at this stage, rather than confirmed departures. Their positions will depend on the recommendations contained in Wissing’s report and any developments in the coaching staff’s assessment before the transfer window opens in January.

The information was reported on 20 November 2026.