A blockbuster deal in the winter transfer window: Al-Ittihad sets its sights on Morocco’s gem.
With the 2026 winter transfer window nearing its close, Al-Ittihad is experiencing moments of excitement and anticipation after announcing its intention to bolster its squad with promising young players. At the heart of this flurry of activity, the name of Yasser Zoubir, the young Moroccan talent, emerges as the most prominent target on the negotiating table.
Al-Ittihad Jeddah is accelerating its efforts to seize the “jewel of Morocco”.
This season, Al-Ittihad has suffered a decline in the performance of its star players, particularly the foreign ones, prompting the club’s management to seek quick solutions to bolster its attack. In this context, the club is considering several promising young talents, but Yasser Zoubir stands out as the leading candidate due to his exceptional talent and impressive performances with Portuguese club Famalicão.
The young Moroccan, just 20 years old, has proven himself a formidable attacking force, scoring 12 goals and providing one assist in 26 matches across the first team and the under-23 squad. He also played a key role in leading the Moroccan youth national team to victory in the World Cup, sharing the top scorer award with his teammate.
Challenges facing the federation in the 2025-2026 sports season
Despite the fighting spirit displayed by Al-Ittihad, their on-field results have fallen short of expectations. The season began with a loss to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final, followed by a mixed run in the Saudi Professional League, where they played 18 matches, securing 9 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses.
Continental competitions and the determination to challenge
On the Asian stage, Al-Ittihad had a shaky start in the AFC Champions League, losing matches against Al-Wahda and Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, but managed to regain some stability with two impressive victories against Al-Shorta of Iraq and Al-Sharjah of the UAE. However, a heavy defeat against Al-Duhail of Qatar ignited a crisis, before the team bounced back with a dramatic win against Nasaf Qarshi of Uzbekistan.
On the other hand, Al-Ittihad succeeded in advancing to the semi-finals of the King’s Cup, ready to face a tough match against Al-Kholoud Club, which adds extra pressure on the team to maintain its level and meet the ambitions of its fans.
Why is Yasser Zoubiry’s transfer considered a sensational deal?
The significance of this deal stems from Zoubir’s ability to revitalize Al-Ittihad’s attack, which has suffered from a lack of balance, especially after Karim Benzema’s decline. The presence of a young talent like Zoubir could restore equilibrium to the team and provide a significant morale boost amidst the pressures of domestic and continental competitions.
Zuberi had the opportunity to prove himself in the demanding European leagues, and he successfully secured a place at one of the top Portuguese clubs, confirming his readiness for the Saudi team. This deal is not just a transfer; it’s a smart investment in the future of Saudi football, a bet on fresh talent capable of reviving Al-Ittihad’s dream once again.
