Ittihad fell to the 2021/22 Saudi Pro League title on the last matchday, finishing two points behind Al-Hilal.
The team is now aiming to strengthen their ranks to reclaim the title that they won in 2009. They have made a number high-quality signings.
Ittihad hired Nuno Santo as their veteran head coach. They also signed Tarek Hamed from Zamalek, Al-Batin’s Abdulaziz Al-Aryani and Al-Shabab’s Ahmed Sharahili.
The team also announced the signing of Helder Costa, a forward for Leeds United, who was recently released from a loan to Spanish giants Valencia.
. Costa played 71 games at Leeds, scoring eight goals, and assisting 11. He was also a key player in the Whites’ 2020 Championship win.
Leeds issued a statement announcing the loan agreement and thanked the player for his professionalism.
“Leeds United winger Helder Costa has today joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for loan until the end the season,” the statement stated.
The Angola international spent last season on loan at Valencia’s La Liga outfit and now links up to his former Wolves manager Nuno Espito Santo.
“We thank Helder for his professionalism and attitude over the past weeks and wish him success at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium.”
