The biggest headline from Al-Ettifaq FC's transfer window is undoubtedly the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum, who has left on a free transfer to join Al-Ittihad Club. The Dutch midfielder's exit marks the end of a high-profile chapter at the Dammam-based club, and his move to Al-Ittihad signals a shift in Al-Ettifaq's squad-building philosophy — one that now leans heavily on loans and shrewd, low-cost acquisitions rather than marquee names.

In return, Al-Ettifaq have welcomed five new faces to the squad while spending a remarkably modest €500k in total. The sole permanent transfer fee went on Brazilian forward Pedro Henrique, signed from Red Bull Bragantino for that sum. The 2026 arrival adds South American flair and attacking depth, and at that price he represents a low-risk gamble that could yield significant rewards if he adapts quickly to the Saudi Pro League.

The loan market has been Al-Ettifaq's preferred hunting ground this window. Two players arrive from Al-Ittihad Club — Talal Haji and Abdalellah Hawsawi — in deals that run until mid-2026, effectively forming part of a swap corridor between the two clubs following Wijnaldum's move in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, Riyadh Sharahili joins on loan from NEOM SC, giving the squad additional domestic talent and versatility. Completing the incoming business, experienced defender Marzouq Tambakti signed on a free transfer from Al-Riyadh, bringing vital Saudi Pro League know-how to the backline.

On the departures side, beyond Wijnaldum, Awad Dahal has moved to Al-Riyadh on a free transfer in what looks like a reciprocal arrangement linked to Tambakti's arrival. Faris Al-Ghamdi departed for Al Taawoun, while young South African talent Mohau Nkota returned to Orlando Pirates on loan, suggesting Al-Ettifaq were not yet ready to commit to him full-time.

Taken together, this window tells a clear story for Al-Ettifaq FC players and fans: the club is trimming its wage bill, investing in hungry domestic options, and betting on a single affordable international signing in Pedro Henrique. With five arrivals and four departures, the squad is broadly the same size but younger and arguably more balanced. Whether this budget-conscious approach can keep Al-Ettifaq competitive against the spending power of the league's elite remains the key question heading into the rest of the season.