With Diaby's departure approaching: Al-Ittihad sets its sights on an Algerian signing

A deal involving an Arab player on Al-Ahly's table

A surprising move is stirring in the corridors of Saudi club Al-Ittihad. Even as the club celebrates topping the Roshn League, the management has begun sketching out an alternative plan that could reshape the team's attack entirely. With talk of French star Moussa Diaby's departure growing louder, an outstanding Algerian name has emerged as the leading candidate to replace him.

Saudi press reports revealed on Tuesday that Al-Ittihad are keen to open official negotiations with Algerian international winger Mohamed Amine Amoura, currently at Wolfsburg, during the current summer transfer window.

According to the Saudi newspaper "Okaz", the interest in Amoura is a direct response to the void Diaby's exit could leave behind.

Diaby himself has become a strong candidate to leave Jeddah. Both Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are making serious efforts to sign the French winger this summer, and that has pushed Al-Ittihad's hierarchy to hunt early for a replacement with the same attacking profile.

Amoura, 26, has dazzled since joining Wolfsburg in 2025. He is tied to a long contract running until the summer of 2029, with his market value estimated at 20 million euros according to Transfermarkt.

Sixty-seven matches in the German side's shirt have brought the Algerian 18 goals and 16 assists. His international record is equally striking: 19 goals in 47 caps for Algeria.

The move comes after Al-Ittihad were linked in recent days with a bid for Egyptian midfielder Emam Ashour of Al-Ahly, though those talks never reached an official stage between the two clubs, according to local reports.

Spirits are high at Al-Ittihad after Monday evening's hard-fought 3-2 win over Al-Hazm in the third round of the Roshn League. That result lifts them temporarily to the top of the table on 7 points, from victories over Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hazm and a draw with Al-Khaleej.