Al-Ittihad is entering a new phase of restructuring as the departure of Spanish sporting director Ramon Planes appears imminent at the end of the 2025–2026 season, following a disappointing campaign without major achievements.
The club has already begun the process of identifying a new sporting director to lead the next phase of its project, aligning with broader plans to rebuild both the technical and administrative structure.
Planes joined Al-Ittihad in January 2024 after a brief stint with Real Betis, bringing with him significant experience, including his tenure at Barcelona between 2018 and 2021, where he played a key role in squad planning and transfer operations.
His expected departure is seen as the first step in a series of changes after a season that fell short of expectations, with the club now focused on securing a place in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad has initiated discussions with several candidates to fill the sporting director role, aiming to establish a more stable and competitive framework for the future.
The team also faces ongoing challenges, including key player suspensions and internal disciplinary issues, adding further complexity ahead of the decisive league fixtures.
These developments highlight Al-Ittihad’s determination to rebuild its sporting project on stronger foundations and return to competing for major titles.
