Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr have hit a roadblock in their efforts to retain two key players, with reports indicating the club has yet to receive authorization to finalize contract renewals. Despite reaching agreements with winger Abdurahman Ghareeb and goalkeeper Raghad Najjar, the club remains restricted by the league’s financial control committee, preventing the formal registration of these new deals following the expiration of their previous contracts at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
The Knights of Najd, who secured the league title last season in a dramatic campaign that saw them edge out rivals Al-Hilal, now face the prospect of losing both players as free agents. According to the outlet Ariyadhiah, the financial situation at the club has prompted these regulatory hurdles. Ghareeb, a vital contributor who recorded six goals and six assists in 32 appearances last season, has been with the club since 2022 and previously rejected offers from Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Najjar, who has pledged his future to the team, remains sidelined following an ACL rupture sustained in March.
The club’s current transfer activity has been limited, with Samu Costa from Mallorca serving as the only notable addition to the squad. As the team prepares for the 2026-27 season under new manager Ange Postecoglou, they are tasked with navigating these administrative challenges while relying on their existing core.
Captain Cristiano Ronaldo has officially returned to the club ahead of the new campaign. The 41-year-old, who recently married his long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez, spent the summer competing in the FIFA World Cup, where he netted three goals in five matches before Portugal’s exit in the Round of 16. Ronaldo was a central figure in Al-Nassr’s title-winning season under Jorge Jesus, contributing 28 goals and two assists in 30 league appearances, narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot.
As the transfer window progresses, the focus remains on whether Al-Nassr can resolve their financial standing to secure the futures of Ghareeb and Najjar. With the new season approaching, the club’s ability to retain its squad depth remains a critical point of concern for the management and supporters alike.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr yet to receive green light to renew 2 key Saudi players’ contracts amid financial restrictions: Reports
The Knights of Najd ended their trophy drought in the 2025-26 season by dramatically emerging as the champions at the expense of rivals Al-Hilal.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s side reached agreements with Ghareeb and Najjar over new deals, with their contracts having expired at the end of the 2025-26 season.
He has been at the club since 2022 and turned down opportunities to sign for Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad earlier this year.
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