Al-Ittihad Sign Fares Abdi as Left-Back

Al-Ittihad have moved quickly to close a key gap in their back line, sealing the signing of left-back Fares Abdi from Neom after wrapping up the final financial and contractual details in recent hours.

The Saudi giants announced the deal across their official channels, confirming a transfer pushed hard by head coach Jens Wissing, who identified Abdi as the man to reinforce the left flank following the death of Mario Metaj. The position had become a priority. Now it has a new owner.

Abdi did not walk into the role unchallenged. He emerged from a shortlist of options drawn up by the Tigers’ recruitment team, winning the internal battle to claim the left-back berth as part of Al-Ittihad’s broader summer rebuild for the coming season.

The 27-year-old brings a distinct profile. Born in California, he learned the game on American pitches before switching his career to Saudi Arabia in 2020 with Al-Wehda. Spells at Al-Qadsiah and Al-Fayha followed, each stop adding experience and resilience to his game, before he joined Neom last summer.

There, Abdi became a regular fixture, featuring in 34 matches and supplying 3 assists from the flank, numbers that helped convince Wissing he could slot straight into a side with title ambitions rather than simply pad out the squad.

Al-Ittihad now have their replacement at left-back. The question is no longer who will fill the void, but how quickly Abdi can turn a crucial opportunity into a permanent grip on the shirt.