Georginio Wijnaldum’s next move had been the subject of growing speculation throughout the closing weeks of the summer transfer window.
The Dutch midfielder became a free agent after leaving Saudi club Al-Ettifaq at the start of the season, and his availability quickly caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
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Chelsea emerged as one of the most persistent names linked with the 35-year-old, with reports suggesting the Premier League club had explored the idea of adding him to their midfield options using free-agent registration rules.
Fabrizio Romano moved to play down the story last week, stating that Chelsea would not sign Wijnaldum and that the club was downplaying all reports about the Dutchman.
With interest from Chelsea fading, attention turned back to Saudi Arabia.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reported on Sunday that Wijnaldum was undergoing a medical ahead of a return to the Roshn Saudi League, this time with a different club to the one he had just left.
That move has now been confirmed.
Al-Ittihad have officially announced the signing of Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer, ending weeks of uncertainty over his future.
The Saudi club revealed the deal on social media, branding the midfielder their “New Tiger” and welcoming him to the club.
According to reports, Wijnaldum has signed a one-year contract with the option of a further season.
Al-Ittihad had been searching for midfield reinforcements before their transfer window closes.
The club allowed Brazilian midfielder Fabinho to leave following the expiry of his contract, and they have also dealt with long-term injuries to Mamadou Doumbia and Hamed Al-Ghamdi.
Georginio Wijnaldum arrives alongside new signings Rakan Kaabi, from Al-Fayha, and Dion Lopy, from Spanish side Almería.
The move marks a return to the Saudi Pro League for Wijnaldum, who spent three years at Al-Ettifaq between 2023 and 2026.
During that spell, he made 101 appearances, scoring 38 goals and providing 17 assists, directly involved in 55 goals for the club.
Wijnaldum’s career has taken him through several major European leagues since leaving Liverpool.
He joined Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in 2021, before spells at Roma and then Al-Ettifaq followed.
At Liverpool, where he played between 2016 and 2021, he made 237 appearances and won the Champions League, Premier League and FIFA Club World Cup under Jürgen Klopp.
He now begins a new chapter at Al-Ittihad, joining a squad that already includes former Tottenham winger Steven Bergwijn, ex-Porto and PSG defender Danilo, and Benfica loanee Richard Rios.
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