Neom deal adds to Al-Ittihad’s midfield concerns before Roshn Saudi League opener

Neom have deepened Al-Ittihad’s midfield problems by signing Faisal Al-Ghamdi on loan for the rest of next season, making him the fourth player in that area to leave the Jeddah club before the new Roshn Saudi League campaign begins.

Neom announced the move on Wednesday, with the 25-year-old midfielder joining on a temporary basis. Al-Ghamdi spent only one season with Al-Ittihad, making 20 appearances, scoring once and providing two assists.

His departure leaves Al-Ittihad facing a shortage of options in midfield, with the club having already lost three other players before the start of the new season.

Brazilian midfielder Fabinho left after his contract expired, while Mali international Mamadou Doumbia has been sidelined by a long-term injury sustained last season. Hamed Al-Ghamdi, meanwhile, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season.

The departures have created a significant gap in Al-Ittihad’s squad, particularly as the club prepares to begin its league campaign. Faisal Al-Ghamdi’s loan move to Neom is the latest setback for a midfield department that has lost several players in a short period.

Al-Ittihad have made some attempts to strengthen that area. They signed Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria and brought in Rakan Al-Kaabi from Al-Fayha. The club have also promoted Farhah Al-Shamrani to the first team.

However, the arrivals and promotion have so far followed a series of departures and injury setbacks, leaving Al-Ittihad with a depleted midfield ahead of their opening fixture.

The team will begin their Roshn Saudi League campaign on Saturday, when they face Al-Kholood in the first round of the competition.

Al-Ghamdi’s move means Neom have added another Al-Ittihad player during the current summer transfer window, while the Jeddah side must now manage the loss of a midfielder who featured regularly during his only season at the club.

The loan is for the entirety of next season, meaning Al-Ghamdi will spend the campaign away from Al-Ittihad as the club attempt to deal with their lack of numbers in midfield. Their first league match against Al-Kholood will provide an immediate test of the options available to them in that position.