Hummed Al-Zahrani urges Al-Ittihad to axe Houssem Aouar and Youssef En-Nesyri before new season

Al-Ittihad legend Khamees Al-Zahrani has called for star foreign duo Houssem Aouar and Youssef En-Nesyri to be shown the door before next season, warning that the Jeddah club are heading into a “very big” campaign with a flawed squad and a rookie coach.

The former Saudi international sharply criticised the Algerian playmaker and Moroccan striker, as well as Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, arguing that none of them fit the tactical demands of new German coach Jens Vastring.

Speaking to Al Arabiya TV, Al-Zahrani said: “الاتحاد مقبل على موسم كبير جدا، ولكنه يعاني من مشكلة في العمق، خصوصا مع افكار المدرب الالماني الجديد ينز فيسينج”.

He believes the spine of the team is ill-equipped for the direct, high-intensity style expected under Vastring and that swift, decisive action is now essential in the transfer market.

Midfield ‘depth’ at heart of concerns

Al-Zahrani underlined that the core issue lies in central areas of the pitch, especially midfield, where he feels Al-Ittihad lack the necessary athleticism and tactical suitability.

He explained: “الاتحاد يحتاج الى عمق كبير في وسط الملعب، فلا (حسام) عوار ولا فابينيو ولا (يوسف) النصيري بامكانهم تادية الادوار التي يتوقع ان يطلبها منهم المدرب، والتي تتمثل في اللعب المباشر والضغط والتحول السريع”.

In his view, Aouar, Fabinho and En-Nesyri – all high-profile, high-earning imports – are not capable of delivering the kind of direct play, pressing and rapid transitions that Vastring is likely to demand in the Saudi Pro League and continental competitions.

Al-Zahrani stressed that these shortcomings could prove costly in a season he expects to be particularly demanding for the former Asian champions.

Foreign trio under review

The ex-Al-Ittihad captain said the club must urgently reassess its foreign contingent, singling out Fabinho, Aouar and En-Nesyri as players whose futures need to be clarified quickly.

He added: “الاتحاد يحتاج الى لاعبي وسط، مع دخول فابينيو وعوار والنصيري تحت منظار المدرب، حتى ياخذ القرار المناسب فيهم في اسرع وقت، لا سيما وان فابينيو انتهى عقده بالفعل”.

With Fabinho’s contract already expired, Al-Zahrani suggested that at least one direct replacement would be required in midfield, alongside another player with a similar profile to Malian Mamadou Doumbia.

He continued: “هذه الملفات تحتاج الى سرعة في اتخاذ القرار، بالاضافة الى وجود جودة في الاختيار، لا سيما وان المدرب الان تعرف على اللاعبين، ووضع يده على الجرح، ويجب عليه سد الثغرات بصفقات مميزة”.

Transfer plans and Aouar’s uncertain future

Looking ahead to the window, Al-Zahrani said he expects Al-Ittihad to move decisively for midfield reinforcements, while leaving Aouar’s fate tied to the foreign-player quota.

He went on: “ما اعلمه ان الاتحاد سيجلب لاعبين في وسط الملعب، احدهما بديل لفابينيو، والاخر يلعب بنفس طريقة (مامادو) دومبيا، ويبقى موقف عوار مرتبطا بقايمة الفريق وعدد اللاعبين الاجانب”.

That suggests the Algerian international could be sacrificed if the club prioritises other foreign signings to meet Vastring’s tactical needs.

‘Very tight’ timetable and financial squeeze

Al-Zahrani warned that time and money are both against Al-Ittihad as they attempt to reshape the squad before the new season.

He concluded: “الاتحاد امام ملف شايك، والوقت ضيق للغاية، لا سيما في ظل الضايقة المالية، بالاضافة الى وجود مدرب جديد لا يمتلك الخبرة الكبيرة لقيادة فريق كبير بحجم نادي الاتحاد”.

His comments highlight a complex challenge for the Jeddah giants: to overhaul a high-profile but, in his view, unbalanced squad under a relatively inexperienced coach, and to do so under financial pressure and a rapidly closing transfer window.