Al Nassr Faces Potential Squad Blow as Key Player Eyes Move to Rival Club

As the race for the Saudi Pro League title intensifies, Al Nassr could be hit with a significant setback. A key player from the squad has reportedly agreed to join one of Al Nassr’s main rivals in the league. This development comes at a critical time for the team, especially as Cristiano Ronaldo leads the charge in their quest to end a long-standing trophy drought.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been instrumental in guiding Al Nassr through the 2025-26 season, aiming to secure the club’s first-ever Saudi Pro League title. However, this goal may now face an unexpected challenge if a major talent departs for a direct competitor.

According to reports from Okaz Sports, Al Hilal, the current leaders of the Saudi Pro League, have finalized an agreement to sign Abdulrahman Ghareeb, a winger who has fallen out of favor under head coach Jorge Jesus. The move is seen as an opportunity for Al Hilal to strengthen their squad ahead of the crucial second half of the season.

Ghareeb is entering the final year of his contract with Al Nassr during the 2025-26 campaign, which allows Al Hilal to pursue a pre-contract agreement during the current winter transfer window. The deal is now pending Al Nassr’s approval, as the club must decide whether to allow him to leave immediately or wait until the start of next season.

A Valuable Asset for Al Nassr

Ghareeb was once a regular starter during Cristiano Ronaldo’s early years at the club. However, his role has gradually diminished over time. The arrivals of players like Otávio, Sadio Mané, Ângelo, and recent signing Kingsley Coman have pushed him further down the depth chart, limiting his opportunities in the starting XI.

Despite not being a central figure in the team, Ghareeb has still contributed significantly. He has scored five goals and provided four assists in just 484 minutes across 15 appearances, averaging around 32 minutes per match. His performance in the recent 2-1 win over Damac highlighted his value to the squad.

Saudi Pro League regulations require clubs to field a minimum number of domestic players, and Ghareeb had remained a reliable option in that regard. His potential departure would represent a meaningful loss for Al Nassr, particularly in terms of domestic representation.

Coach Jorge Jesus on Transfer Challenges

Jorge Jesus has been open about the challenges facing Al Nassr in the transfer market. Following the signings of João Félix, Iñigo Martínez, and Kingsley Coman during the summer transfer window, the club was seen as a strong contender for the title. However, after a strong start, Al Nassr slipped from first place and was overtaken by Al Hilal.

Addressing the club’s transfer situation after a recent win over Al Shabab, Jesus was candid about the limitations. “I spoke about the winter period. We don’t have any openings for foreign players, and the financial situation at Al Nassr is not good and doesn’t allow it. I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us.”

In the domestic market, however, Al Nassr has already taken action. Alongside Ghareeb’s expected departure, the club has secured the signing of 21-year-old Hayder Abdulkareem, who is expected to provide depth in defense. This position has been weakened by injuries throughout the season, making the new acquisition a strategic move.

Looking Ahead

With the title race heating up, Al Nassr will need to make smart decisions to remain competitive. While the potential loss of Ghareeb is a blow, the club is actively working to strengthen its squad. As the season progresses, the focus will be on how Al Nassr adapts to these challenges and whether they can maintain their position at the top of the league.