The Al-Fateh team faced a dual crisis before the start of its new season, which manifested in the postponement of its trip to Spain twice, in addition to the continued ban on registering new players, raising concerns among its fans.

The Al-Fateh delegation's departure from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam was delayed after the first flight was canceled, and then the time of the alternative flight was delayed by more than an hour, keeping the team at the airport for about five additional hours.

The team is conducting its external training camp in Spain for two weeks, which includes playing four friendly matches, in preparation for the start of the Professional League, where it begins its season by facing Al-Feiha at its home stadium in Al-Ahsa.

Portuguese coach Gomes completed the first phase of preparation inside Al-Ahsa through a friendly match with a U21 team, aiming to assess the physical and technical aspects of several players.

Gomes confirmed that the European camp would be an important station for raising focus and developing harmony among the players, noting his focus in the previous phase on intensive technical training to increase readiness.

The coach submitted a technical report to the club's management outlining his demands, the most important of which is to sign a striker, after he agreed to loan Brazilian Machado to Bulgarian team Ludogorets to gain experience.

Financial dues exceeding two million riyals hinder the registration of new deals, as the club has not yet succeeded in selling Ahmad Al-Jalaidan's contract, leaving the coach with limited options in the goalkeeper and attacking positions.

Al-Fateh has so far failed to register goalkeeper Amin Bukhari and defender Sattam Tambakti, awaiting approval from the Financial Sustainability Committee, and the contracts of influential players, most notably Mourad Batna, have not been officially renewed.

Al-Fateh fans fear a repeat of last season's scenario when results started negatively in the first round, before performance improved due to winter signings that saved the team from relegation to the first division.