Khamees Al-Zahrani, the legend of Al-Ittihad Club, criticized Algerian Houssem Aouar and Moroccan Youssef En-Nesyri, the team's stars, demanding their departure from the ranks of the 'Tigers' before the start of the next season.

Al-Zahrani said in statements to Al-Arabiya channel: 'Al-Ittihad is heading into a very big season, but it suffers from a problem in depth, especially with the ideas of the new German coach, Jens Vissing.'

He explained: 'Al-Ittihad needs great depth in midfield; neither Houssem Aouar, Fabinho, nor Youssef En-Nesyri can perform the roles expected of them by the coach, which involve direct play, pressing, and quick transitions.'

He added: 'Al-Ittihad needs midfielders, with Fabinho, Aouar, and En-Nesyri under the coach's microscope, so he can make the appropriate decision regarding them as soon as possible, especially since Fabinho's contract has already ended.'

He continued: 'These files require speed in decision-making, in addition to quality in selection, especially now that the coach has gotten to know the players and has put his finger on the wound, and he must fill the gaps with distinguished signings.'

He went on: 'What I know is that Al-Ittihad will bring in players in midfield, one as a replacement for Fabinho, and the other who plays in the same way as Mamadou Doumbia, and Aouar's position remains linked to the team list and the number of foreign players.'

He concluded: 'Al-Ittihad faces a thorny file, and time is very tight, especially in light of the financial crisis, in addition to the presence of a new coach who does not have great experience to lead a big team the size of Al-Ittihad Club.'

Khamees Al-Zahrani, former Saudi international player, to Al-Arabiya 🎙️

💬'Al-Ittihad needs great depth; neither Houssem Aouar, Fabinho, nor Youssef En-Nesyri can perform the tasks expected to be relied upon by the coach, such as direct play and quick transitions.'💬'The team needs midfielders, and Aouar and Fabinho must be… pic.twitter.com/FjGiV4SfrZ

— Al-Arabiya Sports (@AlArabiyaSports) July 22, 2026