Mohammed Noor calls for patience as Al-Ittihad’s financial strain threatens transfer plans

Mohammed Noor says Al-Ittihad’s lack of available funds and mounting debts are making it increasingly difficult for the club to strengthen its squad, after the Saudi Arabian side began their Roshn Saudi League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al-Kholood.

The Al-Ittihad legend spoke openly about the club’s financial position, its ability to sign new players and the growing frustration among supporters following the opening-day result.

Noor said on the programme Nadinaa: “Al-Ittihad is the only club among the Public Investment Fund clubs that needed support, and at the beginning it was said that the support would be equal among the clubs.”

He questioned whether Al-Ittihad had received enough financial backing to compete for new signings, adding: “Did Al-Ittihad receive the support that would enable it to attract players? Certainly not.”

The former player said the club’s limited activity in the transfer market had contributed to the dissatisfaction being felt by its fan base.

“The supporters are unhappy with the club’s situation,” Noor said.

He also addressed the reaction inside the stadium during the match against Al-Kholood, saying the empty seats were a visible indication of the level of discontent among Al-Ittihad supporters.

Noor then appealed directly to the club’s fans, explaining that he had watched the match and had been saddened by what had taken place.

“I have two words I want to say to Al-Ittihad’s supporters. I watched the match and I was saddened by what happened,” he said.

He continued: “I say to the supporters: love teaches patience. As long as you love and adore Al-Ittihad, you must be patient.”

Noor acknowledged that fans were entitled to express their anger and demand improvements, while suggesting that the current situation might only be temporary.

“It is a phase and, God willing, it will pass. The supporters have the right to demand anything, and God willing, nothing will happen except what makes you happy,” he said.

His comments placed the club’s financial circumstances at the centre of the debate over its prospects for the new season. Noor insisted that the issue was not necessarily a lack of desire to improve the team, but the absence of sufficient cash flow to complete transfers.

“The supporters must know that there is no money and no liquidity, so how can I sign players?” he said.

Noor went on to explain that any available funds may already be committed to existing obligations, including debts and payments owed to players.

“I may have liquidity to pay debts and players’ dues, but you cannot dispense with players and then sign other players,” he added.

The remarks came after Al-Ittihad were held to a draw by Al-Kholood in their first Roshn Saudi League fixture, with the result intensifying scrutiny of the club’s squad and recruitment plans.