Al-Ittihad Set to Sign Ritsu Doan as Diaby Replacement

Al-Ittihad are on the verge of landing one of their headline targets of the window, with a deal for Japan international Ritsu Doan almost across the line.

Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiah reports that the Jeddah giants have reached an agreement with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt for the attacker, with only a few contractual details left before the move becomes official. The club expect the formal announcement once those final points are signed off.

A response to Diaby’s exit

Doan’s arrival is designed to plug a major gap. Moussa Diaby has already departed for Bayer Leverkusen, stripping “the Dean” of one of their most prominent attacking names this mercato and forcing the hierarchy back into the market.

They wanted a forward who could replace Diaby’s influence and, ideally, expand the team’s attacking options. Doan ticks those boxes. He can operate across several roles in the final third and arrives with solid European experience behind him, something Al-Ittihad’s management view as crucial as they reshape the squad.

Rebuild in Jeddah

This move is part of a broader recruitment drive after a summer of upheaval at the club. Several of the figures who defined the previous project have moved on, and the board are intent on giving the coach a fresher, more flexible group that can execute his ideas and shift the team’s identity in the Roshn League.

For now, the heavy lifting in negotiations appears done. According to Al-Riyadiah, Al-Ittihad and Eintracht Frankfurt have already settled the main terms, with both clubs simply waiting on those last formalities before Doan can be unveiled as an Al-Ittihad player.

A new focal point in attack

If, as expected, the transfer is confirmed, Ritsu Doan will effectively step into Diaby’s place in the squad. The hope inside the club is that his versatility and sharpness in the final third will give “the Dean” a clear attacking lift.

All that’s left is the announcement. Al-Ittihad fans now wait for the official word — and for the Japanese forward to walk into a project that is being rebuilt in his image as much as anyone’s.