Al Ittihad previously attempted to sign 27-year-old Egyptian international midfielder Marwan Attia. The Jeddah-based club initially offered 2.5 million dollars before raising their proposal to 3.5 million dollars for a permanent transfer. Al Ahly rejected these offers, wishing to keep one of their key players. It is reported that the Egyptian club is demanding a minimum of 5 million dollars for a permanent sale of the defensive midfielder, and would also consider a one-season loan for an indemnity of 2.5 million dollars. Attia, who has 40 caps and one goal for Egypt, joined Al Ahly in January 2023 and his contract runs until June 2029. His current Transfermarkt market value is €4.00m.