Al-Ittihad Signs Fares Abdi to Strengthen Left Flank

Al-Ittihad have moved quickly to close a key gap in their squad, completing the signing of left-back Fares Abdi from Neom after wrapping up financial and contractual details in the last few hours.

The Saudi giants announced the deal across their official channels, confirming that head coach Jens Wissing had personally pushed for Abdi’s arrival. The German wanted a specialist to lock down the left side of defence, with the club still reshaping that area of the pitch following the loss of Mario Metaj.

This was not a token addition. Abdi emerged from a shortlist of several candidates, winning the internal battle to claim the starting berth and becoming the latest piece in Al-Ittihad’s summer rebuild as they assemble a squad aimed at immediate impact in the new season.

At 27, Abdi brings a blend of experience and energy. Born in California, he learned the game on American pitches before making the leap to the Saudi league with Al-Wehda in 2020. From there, he built his reputation with spells at Al-Qadsiah and Al-Fayha, steadily growing into a reliable option down the flank.

Last summer he joined Neom and delivered a solid campaign, featuring in 34 matches and contributing 3 assists. Those numbers underline a defender willing to push on, overlap, and supply service from wide areas, qualities Wissing clearly values for his system.

For Al-Ittihad, this is not just another summer signing. It is a calculated move to secure a starting full-back in his prime, a player who already knows the league and its demands. Now the question is simple: how quickly can Abdi turn that familiarity into authority on the left side of the Tigers’ defence?