Uncertainty continues to swirl around the future of Youssef En-Nesyri at Al-Ittihad. Sources close to the club indicate that management is leaning toward selling the striker’s contract this coming summer, just months after his high-profile arrival in the Kingdom.
According to sources from Okaz, the club is already actively searching for a high-caliber replacement to lead the frontline for the 2026-2027 season. The decision comes as a surprise to many, given that the 28-year-old forward only joined the Tigers during the recent 2026 January transfer window.
The report comes at a difficult time for the Moroccan international, who is currently sidelined. En-Nesyri sustained an injury during last Friday’s Round 27 clash against Al-Hazem. While the club has yet to confirm the exact nature of the injury or a definitive return date, the timing of his absence has seemingly accelerated internal discussions regarding the frontline’s future.
A winter gamble gone wrong?
Signed from Fenerbahçe in January 2026 to replace the departing Karim Benzema, En-Nesyri was expected to be the spearhead of the Tigers’ attack until 2028. However, the administration’s reported desire to “seek a replacement” suggests a shift in strategy. The club is reportedly eyeing a new marquee forward who can offer greater technical consistency and durability for the seasons ahead.
Conceição navigates tactical shift
With En-Nesyri’s availability for the remainder of the season in question, head coach Sérgio Conceição is forced to look elsewhere for goals.
As the team prepares for Wednesday’s 9:00 PM kickoff against Neom, the focus in training has shifted to finding the right tactical balance without the Moroccan striker. Conceição is expected to finalize his starting lineup tonight, looking for a solution that can keep Al-Ittihad’s campaign on track while the board looks toward a summer overhaul.
