Wijnaldum Joins Al-Ittihad After Saudi Pro League Transfer Window Closes
Al-Ittihad have completed another notable signing after the Saudi Pro League transfer window officially closed on Sunday, September 6, with former Netherlands international Georginio Wijnaldum joining the Jeddah-based club.
The 34-year-old midfielder has signed a one-year contract with the Tigers, extending his stay in Saudi Arabia after spending the previous three seasons with Al-Ettifaq.
Saudi Arabia is already familiar territory for Wijnaldum. Since moving to the country, the former Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder has made 101 appearances for Al-Ettifaq, scoring 38 goals and providing 17 assists across competitions.
His contract with Al-Ettifaq expired at the end of June, leaving Wijnaldum available to negotiate a new destination as a free agent. He will now remain in the Gulf, with Al-Ittihad confirming his arrival through their official channels.
“Dutch midfielder Wijnaldum has joined Al-Ittihad for the next year,” the club announced.
Given his extensive experience in the Saudi Pro League, Wijnaldum is unlikely to face significant difficulties adapting to his new surroundings. His familiarity with the competition could allow him to contribute immediately as Al-Ittihad look to strengthen their midfield.
The Netherlands international is also expected to help fill the void created by the departures of N’Golo Kante and Fabinho. Both midfielders have left Saudi Arabia for Turkey, with Kante joining Fenerbahce and Fabinho moving to Trabzonspor.
Wijnaldum’s arrival should therefore give Al-Ittihad another experienced option in the centre of the pitch while adding greater creativity and goal threat to their midfield.
The Tigers have also been active in rebuilding their squad following several departures. Richard Rios, Jan-Carlo Simic, Dion Lopy and Stephane Keller are among the players brought in as the club attempt to maintain their competitiveness at the top end of Saudi football.
Al-Ittihad have made a solid start to the current Saudi Pro League campaign. They currently sit fourth in the standings with 11 points from five matches, four points behind leaders Al-Hilal, who have collected 15 points from the same number of games.
Wijnaldum’s experience could prove valuable as Al-Ittihad attempt to close that gap. Although the transfer window is now closed, the Dutchman’s arrival gives the club another experienced figure capable of influencing the midfield and helping the Tigers compete for major honours this season.
