Union close to hiring Jens Wissing as new coach

Reports indicate that Saudi club Al-Ittihad is close to finalizing a deal with German coach Jens Wissing, following significant progress in negotiations over the past few days, bringing both parties closer to a final agreement.

Sources reveal that discussions between the club's management and the coach have reached advanced stages, with most contract terms agreed upon, leaving only minor details before the official announcement.

The club is working to expedite the resolution of the coaching situation to prepare the training staff early for the upcoming season, including the external training camp and preparation plans.

Wissing, 38, previously played as a left-footed center-back, representing several German clubs, including Borussia Mönchengladbach, Paderborn, Duisburg, and Borussia Mönster.

After retiring, he began his coaching career as an assistant at Borussia Mönchengladbach from 2019 to 2021, before moving to Benfica in Portugal as an assistant to coach Roger Schmidt from 2022 to 2024.

In 2025, he joined the coaching staff of Red Bull Salzburg, before embarking on his first experience as a head coach with Gamba Osaka in Japan in 2026, where he won the AFC Champions League.

Wissing is known for his attacking style that emphasizes high pressing and tactical organization, making him an ambitious choice for Al-Ittihad's management, which aims to return to trophy contention next season.