Al-Ittihad Signs Fares Abdi as Key Left-Back

Al-Ittihad have moved decisively in the market, sealing the signing of left-back Fares Abdi from Neom after wrapping up the final financial and contractual details in recent hours.

The club confirmed the deal across their official channels, closing a pursuit that head coach Jens Wissing had personally driven. He had identified Abdi as the man to shore up the left flank and step into the role left vacant by the late Mario Metaj, a position that has carried emotional and tactical weight inside the dressing room.

This was not a default choice. Abdi emerged from a shortlist of several candidates for the Tigers’ left-back berth, winning the internal battle to become the latest piece in Al-Ittihad’s summer rebuild as they assemble a squad built to compete immediately in the new season.

At 27, Abdi arrives with a profile shaped on two continents. Born in California, he developed his game in the United States before taking the leap to Saudi football with Al-Wehda in 2020. From there, he built his reputation with spells at Al-Qadsiah and Al-Fayha, then joined Neom last summer.

His year at Neom underlined his durability and consistency: 34 appearances, 3 assists, and a regular presence up and down the flank. Not spectacular numbers, but the kind that convince a coach looking for reliability, balance, and a defender who can live the full 90 minutes week after week.

For Wissing, the fit is clear. For Abdi, the stage just got bigger. Now comes the real test: turning a hard-earned move into a starting shirt at one of Saudi Arabia’s most demanding clubs.