Al-Ittihad have returned to the deal to sign Khalid Al-Ghannam, the Al-Ettifaq winger, during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Reports had indicated that Al-Ittihad had backed out of signing Khalid Al-Ghannam in the next summer market, as German coach Jens Fersing had not given his final approval for the deal.

However, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed in a tweet on his official X account that Al-Ittihad continued working on the Khalid Al-Ghannam deal, but refused to overpay due to financial constraints.

Ben Jacobs explained that the Saudi winger is also attracting interest from two Roshn League clubs, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Ahli.

Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq ignored the reports and began preparing a special program for Al-Ghannam to regain his physical fitness, after missing the first phase of the preparatory program and the start of the second phase in Spain, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya.

The 25-year-old was given extra rest recently due to his participation with the Saudi national team in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, before exiting in the group stage.

The Al-Ettifaq star attracted interest from several clubs after his outstanding performances last season, where he was the top Saudi scorer in the Roshn League with 13 goals.

Al-Ghannam previously represented several Saudi clubs, starting with Al-Qadsiah (one season with the first team), Al-Nassr (three years), Al-Fateh, Al-Ettifaq, as well as Al-Hilal on loan the season before last.

Al-Ittihad continue to work on the Khalid Al-Ghannam deal. No breakthrough largely due to budgetary constraints within the club.

Al-Qadsiah alert to the situation, while Al-Ahli have previously enquired. ⬇️ https://t.co/xy4JTrYecV

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 21, 2026