Laurent Blanc, former French national team manager, has been appointed as the new head coach of Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, replacing Marcelo Gallardo. Blanc, who signed a two-year contract with a potential third year, joins the team with prominent players like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante. Al-Ittihad finished fifth in the previous season, 42 points behind champions Al-Hilal. Blanc aims to strengthen the French connection in the team, including potential signings like Houssem Aouar. His extensive managerial career includes successful stints with clubs like Bordeaux and Paris Saint-Germain.