Benatia Is Leading Candidate to Become Al Ittihad’s Director of Football

Saudi club Al Ittihad has reportedly approached former Moroccan international Mehdi Benatia over the possibility of becoming the club’s new Director of Football, according to the Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Romano revealed that Benatia “has been approached to become Al Ittihad Director of Football”. The report also states that current sporting director “Ramon Planes is ready to leave the club in order to join a new European project”.

🚨🇸🇦 EXCL: Mehdi Benatia has been approached to become new Al Ittihad Director of Football.

Ramon Planes is ready to leave and join a European project, Benatia is a name on Al Ittihad list. pic.twitter.com/thxVjeolfR

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2026

Benatia, who has in recent years built a reputation in football management following his retirement from professional football, is seen as an attractive profile thanks to his international experience and strong connections within European and African football circles.

Benatia was the previous sporting director of Olympique de Marseille (OM), before announcing his resignation on february 15 this year in an instagram post.

 

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The former Moroccan captain enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs such as Juventus, Bayern Munich and AS Roma, while also becoming one of the most iconic defenders in the history of the Moroccan national team.

While no official agreement has yet been announced between Benatia and Al Ittihad, the Saudi club’s interest shows the growing demand for Moroccan experienced football executives around the globe.