What happened
Al Ittihad sporting director Ramón Planes is in final-stage negotiations to terminate his contract by mutual agreement, per Fabrizio Romano. The former Barcelona director is weighing proposals from European clubs after helping the Saudi side win the league and cup during his tenure.
Why it matters
Planes' departure caps a turbulent stretch at Al Ittihad following a disappointing January window, with reporting from Nicolò Schira indicating internal friction drove the split. His return to the European market injects a proven executive into an active offseason carousel of sporting directors and could accelerate front-office moves at clubs courting Barcelona-trained leadership.
What to watch
Watch for which European club lands Planes first and whether Al Ittihad names an interim sporting director before summer window planning kicks off.