The management of Al-Ittihad Saudi Club has begun taking real and rapid steps to rearrange the cards of the first football team, after confirming the departure of the French international midfielder N’Golo Kante, who moved to the ranks of Fenerbahce of Turkey during the current winter transfer period, in a deal that has attracted the attention of sports circles.

Private sources told Al- Midan on Wednesday that Al-Ittihad's transfer strategy has immediately shifted towards investing in the future, with club officials seriously exploring the possibility of signing a foreign midfielder born in 2007. This move aims to compensate for the technical void that Kante will leave, while also taking advantage of regulations that allow the registration of underage players to benefit from them in the long term.

Kante's career with Al-Ittihad and his statistics

Al-Ittihad had successfully completed a major international transfer during the 2023-2024 summer transfer window, signing N'Golo Kanté from Chelsea at a time when the Saudi league was attracting some of the world's top players. During his time with the Tigers, the 34-year-old delivered outstanding performances that reflected his extensive experience as a World Cup and Champions League winner.

In terms of numbers, the French star participated in (26) matches wearing the Al-Ittihad jersey during the current season, during which he showed great commitment and high physical fitness, as he scored two goals and made one goal, and the total playing minutes he played amounted to (2287) minutes, which highlights the total reliance on him as a basic pillar in the middle of the field.

Strategic focus on young talent

Al-Ittihad's move to sign a player born in 2007 aligns with the recent general strategy of Saudi clubs, which not only focuses on acquiring established stars but also on attracting young talents who can be nurtured and developed within the Saudi Professional League. This approach aims to ensure the sustainability of the team's competitiveness and gradually lower its average age, especially after the departure of an experienced player like Kanté.

This change is expected to have a tangible technical impact on the team's form; while Kante provided the team with defensive solidity and positioning experience, signing a young talent may bring more dynamism and speed to the attacking transitions, which is what Al-Ittihad fans are eagerly awaiting to find out who will be carrying the banner of the midfield in the next stage.

Al-Nassr fans breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday evening, after the first team's training session witnessed the participation of legendary Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, as part of the intensive preparations for the anticipated and fiery match against Al-Ittihad, which comes as part of the top matches of the twenty-first round of the Saudi Professional League.

The leader returns after a worrying absence

Doubts had surrounded Cristiano Ronaldo's fitness in recent days, as he missed Al-Nassr's training session without the club officially disclosing any medical or technical reasons, raising concerns among Al-Nassr fans. The Portuguese star also missed the team's last league match against Al-Riyadh, making his return today a huge morale boost for his teammates and the coaching staff ahead of the upcoming derby.

Exceptional numbers for Ronaldo despite his age

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove that age is just a number, as the 40-year-old continues to deliver outstanding performances this season. He has played 22 matches for Al-Nassr across various domestic and continental competitions this season, scoring 18 goals and providing 3 assists. His impressive contribution of 1917 minutes of playing time makes him a key pillar of the team's attack.

The battle for the top spot and the intense competition

The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match is of paramount importance, far exceeding its significance as a mere three-point game; it comes at a crucial juncture in the league. Before this match, Al-Nassr sits in second place in the Roshan League standings with 46 points, just one point behind their arch-rivals, Al-Hilal, who lead the table. This narrow margin puts Al-Nassr under immense pressure to win, either to seize the top spot or to continue their pursuit of the league leaders. In this fiercely contested title race, there is no room for error.

Union position and match date

On the other hand, Al-Ittihad enters the match in sixth place with 34 points, aiming to improve their position in the standings and appease their fans in this crucial encounter. Al-Nassr is scheduled to host Al-Ittihad at 8:30 PM next Friday, in a highly anticipated football match for fans both within the Kingdom and abroad, given the presence of international stars on both teams and their rich history of rivalry.

The first team of Al-Nassr Football Club witnessed the return of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo during their group training session, a move that instilled confidence in the hearts of the club's fans ahead of the crucial upcoming match against Al-Ittihad. This appearance confirms the team captain's readiness to participate in the "Clásico" between the two teams, which will take place as part of the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League, scheduled to be held at Al-Ahli Park Stadium in Riyadh.

The debate over Ronaldo's absence is over

Cristiano Ronaldo's participation in the training session put an end to the speculation that had arisen in recent days, during which the player was absent from the club. Sources attributed his absence to the Portuguese star's anger over the events of the recent winter transfer window. However, his strong return to training reflects the player's professionalism and his desire to focus on the pitch and lead his team to success, overcoming any administrative disagreements that might affect the team's performance at this crucial stage of the season.

The importance of the Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad classic

The Al-Nassr vs. Al-Ittihad match holds special significance beyond being merely a three-point game; it represents a Saudi football summit that enjoys widespread local, regional, and international attention, especially given the significant development of the Saudi Professional League and its attraction of the world's brightest football stars. Historically, encounters between the two teams are among the most competitive and exciting in Saudi football, with each side striving to assert its dominance and delight its massive fan base.

A morale boost after the victory over Al-Riyadh

Al-Nassr enters this match with relatively high morale after securing a victory in their last game of the previous round against Al-Riyadh with a clean sheet. Despite the difficulty of that match, securing the three points was vital to maintaining their winning streak. The presence of Ronaldo in the starting lineup against Al-Ittihad will be a major boost to the team's attack, as the coach and fans are counting on his vast experience and ability to decide crucial matches to tip the scales in Al-Nassr's favor in this pivotal encounter.

In conclusion, the sports community is eagerly awaiting the starting whistle at Al-Awwal Park Stadium to witness a new chapter of excitement in the Saudi League, amidst Al-Nassr fans' hopes that the return of "Madeira Rocket" will be the key to securing points in the Clasico.