Al Ittihad Sack Sporting Director Ramon Planes Amid Winter Transfer Window Struggles

Al Ittihad, under the management of Sérgio Conceição, has officially dismissed their Spanish sporting director, Ramon Planes, following a winter transfer window widely regarded as underwhelming by the club's leadership.

Ramon Planes, who previously held roles at Barcelona, was informed of the decision and has been removed from all daily club operations and matchday activities. This move marks a significant shift within Al Ittihad's sporting structure during a season already marked by considerable challenges.

The dismissal comes in the wake of a difficult January transfer period, during which Al Ittihad lost key players such as Karim Benzema to rivals Al Hilal and N'Golo Kanté to Fenerbahçe. Despite these departures, the club was unable to secure adequate replacements, notably failing to sign a substitute for the midfield position. This shortfall has been a source of frustration for both the coaching staff and club management.

According to reports, Planes was unable to deliver any significant signings, including local players, despite explicit requests from head coach Sérgio Conceição to bolster the squad. In contrast, rival clubs managed to strengthen their teams effectively during the same window. The sporting director's failure to meet these expectations has been cited as a key reason for his removal.

The club is currently experiencing a serious administrative crisis, lacking a sporting director and a clear strategic plan. This instability comes at a crucial point in the Saudi Professional League season, with Al Ittihad still competing for a play-off position that would grant access to the Asian Champions League. Internal sources suggest that Sérgio Conceição is now shouldering multiple responsibilities, managing various aspects of the club's operations largely on his own as the season reaches its final stages.

Furthermore, the absence of a defined sporting strategy is impacting preparations for the next season, with the club facing uncertainty over recruitment and long-term planning. This administrative vacuum is believed to be hindering Al Ittihad's ability to compete effectively for titles and maintain their competitive standing.

Looking ahead, the club will need to address these structural issues promptly to stabilize their sporting project. The next steps may involve appointing a new sporting director and developing a coherent plan to reinforce the squad during upcoming transfer windows. Meanwhile, Al Ittihad must focus on securing their league position and advancing in the competition under Conceição's leadership.