Will the bright lights of the Saudi League and the riches it offers be enough to convince more world-class players to join Al-Nassr’s ranks this year? Let’s take a look at the latest Al-Nassr transfer targets, with time running out before the end of the summer transfer window.
This summer window has certainly been dominated by the Saudi League and the huge names joining the big 4 clubs. Al-Nassr have been the most active of those clubs, after signing the Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi side have gone on to add some further superstars to their squad already this summer.
The list of incomings already this summer includes Sadio Mané from Bayern Munich, Seko Fofana from Lens, former Manchester United player Alex Telles, Inter Milan’s Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozović, Porto talisman Otávio and the latest being Manchester City treble winner Aymeric Laporte.
First time at our arena 🙌💛 https://t.co/jYgEDAxpeo pic.twitter.com/vj2PDHmGQ8
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 29, 2023
Certainly an incredible window so far but the club is not done yet, with reports linking Al-Nassr to plenty more big name players. Portuguese coach Luis Castro himself is among the few managers in football to essentially have an unlimited transfer budget. Which other players could he bring in before the window is out ?
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Al-Nassr transfer targets: Summer 2023
Take a look at the following transfer targets for Al-Nassr – all of whom could be signed before the summer transfer period draws to a close!
Raphina – Barcelona
Another one of Barclelona’s recent transfers that hasn't quite worked out, Brazilian winger Raphina could be on his way out of the Spanish giants, with Al-Nassr leading the race to sign the 26 year old.
Raphina only joined Barca last summer from Leeds United, with a fee of around £50m paid to the Premier League side. Despite playing over 50 times for the club since his arrival, reports suggest that the club are looking to part ways with the player.
The financial issues that are ongoing at Barcelona could certainly be a factor for them wanting to sell, with Ousmane Dembélé and Frank Kessié already exiting the club this summer.
Saudi League teams like Al-Nassr would be the highest bidders for sure, and the potential line-up of Raphina alongside Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo is very exciting on paper. Barca will be looking to get back as much money as possible, with a fee of at least €50m needed to secure the winger's services.
Hugo Lloris – Tottenham
A goalkeeper is still high on the list of priorities for the Al-Nassr hierarchy, with the club eager to secure a big name superstar to play between the sticks.
Hugo Lloris of Tottenham is a name that keeps cropping up, with reports still heavily linking the French world cup winner with a move to the Saudi giants.
New Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has all-but confirmed that former club captain Lloris will leave this summer, with the North London club already signing a replacement.
Lloris is reportedly weighing up his options, with the most lucrative offer likely to be the one that Al-Nassr could potentially offer. The team is certainly in need of a world class keeper, and despite the age of the Frenchmen, he is one of the best keepers of his generation and would bring a wealth of experience with him.
Alisson – Liverpool
I can imagine Liverpool fans are rather excited about the upcoming end of the summer transfer period. After all, they are having players rumoured to be leaving left and right – all drawn in by the massive money being offered to compete in the Saudi Pro League.
Concerning the latest Al-Nassr transfer targets, Liverpool could be set to lose another loyal player. This time, the player comes in the form of Liverpool’s long-term goalkeeper, Alisson. Many reports are stating that the club are long-term admirers of the Brazilian keeper, but of course the Reds will not be looking to sell. With this said, Alisson fits the perfect profile for the type of world class number 1 that Al-Nasr are looking for.
He is 30 years of age, he has accomplished pretty much everything at Liverpool, and now, he could potentially be interested in the chance of a new challenge at Al-Nassr. If he did sign for this club, Alisson would be joining Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Firmino – three Liverpool players that have moved East this summer.
David de Gea – Free Agent
World Cup champion David de Gea is another keeper linked with a possible move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr. Will the 32-year-old Manchester United legend reunite with Alex Telles and Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr?
The chances certainly seem high, as star goalkeeper Ospina suffered a nasty injury leaving Al-Nassr’s goalkeeping position vulnerable. It’s up to David de Gea to decide if he’s ready to leave Europe for a tad more unorthodox adventure.
Signing David de Gea will be easier for Al-Nassr, as the Spanish goalkeeper’s contract with the Red Devils just expired. He has no club to play for, so perhaps joining Al-Nassr would be a step in the right direction for his career.
This late into the window, it is a surprise to many that De Gea remains without a club, but if Al-Nasr are failing in their pursuit of more expensive options, the Spaniard would be a no-brainer signing.
Sergio Ramos – Free Agent
Another icon of his generation, the 37-year-old defender-in-chief Sergio Ramos is near the end of his professional career. Stories are reporting he may be on the move to enjoy the last season or two in the Saudi league alongside his ex-teammate Ronaldo. The two would be reuniting after years of success together at Real Madrid.
Al-Nassr have yet to make their first offer for the World Cup champion’s services, but should they do, there’s no reason that the former Real Madrid legend wouldn’t accept. Ramos’ contract with French giants PSG has expired, with many offers likely to be handed to the Spaniard from all over the world. A move to the MLS to follow the path of Lionel Messi is also on the cards, but linking up with his Madrid teammate at Al-Nassr is looking more likely.
Donny van de Beek
Ever since he swapped Ajax for Manchester United, Donny van de Beek hasn’t been the same footballer as the one we got to know and love in Amsterdam. The 26-year-old player from the Netherlands failed to book a place among Manchester United’s starting XI, and it’s no wonder why he’s opting for a new chapter in his professional career.
The Red Devils are eager to find a new club for their unwanted player, as his salary would be spent better elsewhere. 26-year-old Donny van de Beek is linked with a potential move to Saudi Pro League’s Al-Nassr. Given the fact that the team already signed Cristiano Ronaldo, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Donny join the Saudi Pro League before the time on the summer transfer window runs out.
Al-Nassr would have to prepare at least €15.50m for Donny’s signature, as that’s what his current market value is. However, Manchester United will definitely want more for their player, as they spent a whopping £35m on him back in 2020.
Malanga Sarr
Rumors have it that Al-Nassr are interested in Chelsea’s Malanga Sarr. It’s obvious that the 24-year-old isn’t part of coach Mauricio Pochetino’s plans, which might give Al-Nassr a fighting chance for his signature in the summer of 2023.
Malanga made no appearances for the club this year but he does have eight official matches for Chelsea during the 2021/22 season. Malanga Sarr has a price tag of €6m which shouldn’t be an issue for Al-Nassr’s financial might. Having him on the team would give coach Luis Castro options at the back, as only Aymeric Laporte to count on for the center-back position.
Raghed Najjar
With the injury of David Ospina and the many transfer failures in pursuit of a substitute goalkeeper, Al-Nassr’s board is now eyeing Raghed Najjar as a potential new starter until Ospina returns. However, the negotiations seem to have hit an impasse, as Al-Taawoun FC aren’t interested in selling their star goalkeeper.
The 27-year-old shot-stopper has a price tag of €100k, which is nothing for Al-Nassr. However, Al-Taawoun would much rather loan the player out until the end of 2023 than sell. We’ll have to wait and see if the club-to-club negotiations will lead to anything positive for Cristian Ronaldo’s side, as having a decent goalkeeper is a must in what is expected to be a tight 2023/24 Saudi Pro League campaign.
With the Saudi League summer transfer window open until September 7th, there is still time for Al-Nassr to add further big names to their squad which has already been revolutionised this summer.
