Ramon Planes Rejects Conceicao's Request for Saudi Players at Al-Ittihad

Saudi Arabia — Ekhbary News Agency

Ramón Planes, the Spanish sporting director for Saudi club Al-Ittihad, reportedly rejected a request from Portuguese coach Sérgio Conceição during the recent winter transfer window in January 2026. Conceição had specifically asked to sign several Saudi players to strengthen Al-Ittihad's squad, believing these additions were crucial for the team's balance and performance.

Disagreement Over Local Player Reinforcement

According to press reports, Conceição was convinced that the Jeddah-based team required reinforcement at the local player level. His objective was to increase the technical options available to him as a coach and to create greater overall balance within the Al-Ittihad lineup. This perspective often highlights the strategic importance of homegrown talent in leagues like the Saudi Pro League, where regulations often dictate a specific ratio of local to foreign players.

No Local Signings in Winter Transfer Window

Despite Conceição's clear desire to finalize these deals, sporting director Ramón Planes did not approve the request. This disagreement ultimately led to the closure of the local transfer file without any new Saudi players being signed during the winter window. The decision could prompt questions about the club's transfer strategy, especially given Al-Ittihad fans' high expectations for strong performances in both domestic and continental competitions.