Amrabat at centre of Saudi tug-of-war as Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah battle for Morocco star

Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah have launched a fierce battle to sign Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat from Fenerbahce this summer, according to reports in Europe.

The 29-year-old defensive midfielder, who helped Morocco reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, is understood to be at the heart of an intense recruitment drive by the two Saudi Pro League clubs as they seek to reshape their midfields ahead of the new season.

Al Ittihad move after Kante and Fabinho exits

French outlet Foot Mercato reports that Jeddah giants Al Ittihad opened talks to recruit Amrabat as part of a major rebuild following the departures of N’Golo Kante and Fabinho.

Kante, a World Cup winner with France, has joined Fenerbahce, while Brazilian midfielder Fabinho has left the club at the end of his contract. The double exit has left a sizeable gap in the centre of the pitch which Al Ittihad are keen to address swiftly.

Amrabat, who currently belongs to Fenerbahce, spent last season on loan at Spanish side Real Betis, gaining further experience in one of Europe’s top leagues. His profile as a combative, tactically disciplined holding midfielder has made him an attractive option for Al Ittihad as they look to maintain their status among Saudi Arabia’s leading clubs.

Al Qadsiah enter race ‘strongly’

However, the report adds that newly ambitious Al Qadsiah have moved “strongly” into the race in recent days, intensifying competition for Amrabat’s signature.

Foot Mercato says Al Qadsiah are now seriously challenging Al Ittihad for the player, seeking to hijack the move and bring the Moroccan to their own project in the Pro League. The club, which has been looking to strengthen substantially since its promotion push and restructuring, views Amrabat as a potential cornerstone of its midfield.

The late entry of Al Qadsiah into negotiations is understood to have complicated matters for Al Ittihad, who had initially been seen as frontrunners once talks began.

World Cup pedigree boosts demand

Amrabat’s performances on the international stage have elevated his standing in the transfer market. He featured for Morocco at the most recent World Cup, playing a part in their historic run to the quarter-finals.

That campaign, in which Morocco became the first African and Arab side to reach the last four of a World Cup, significantly enhanced the reputation of several members of the squad, with Amrabat widely praised for his energy, aggression and positional awareness in midfield.

Fenerbahce hold key to next move

Although Amrabat spent the previous season at Real Betis on loan, his parent club Fenerbahce still hold his registration and will ultimately determine his next destination.

The Turkish side have already been active in the market themselves, recruiting Kante from Al Ittihad, which could influence their stance on Amrabat’s future role in Istanbul or their willingness to cash in.

No financial details of any potential deal have yet been disclosed, and there has been no official confirmation from any of the three clubs involved. However, with both Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah pressing to secure the Moroccan’s services before the new campaign, a decision on Amrabat’s future is expected to be a key subplot of the Saudi Pro League’s summer transfer window.