The management of Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia has taken tangible steps to strengthen the team's roster during the current summer transfer window, based on a direct request from French coach Laurent Blanc, who seeks to enhance the defensive flanks with local players.

Blanc emphasized the necessity of attracting two Saudi full-backs for the right and left sides to provide greater balance and harmony to the defense line, especially as the team prepares for the new season of the Roshan Professional League.

The management has included prominent names in its considerations, including Saad Al-Nasser, the left-back from Al-Taawoun, who is considered one of the most important rising talents in his position, and Rady Al-Otaibi, the right-back from Al-Ettifaq, known for his consistent performance.

Additionally, Al-Ittihad has reopened negotiations with Al-Fateh Club to acquire Ahmed Al-Julaidan, the right-back, after the deal stalled recently due to the demands from the Al-Ahsa club for financial amounts that the club officials deemed excessive.

Currently, the preference within the club's corridors is narrowed down to either Al-Julaidan or Al-Otaibi to replace Fawaz Al-Suqour, who has been excluded from Laurent Blanc's plans amid the strategy to rebuild the back line of Al-Ittihad this summer.