Al Nassr plans a major squad overhaul to challenge for the Saudi Pro League title next season, targeting Liverpool star Mohamed Salah to join Cristiano Ronaldo. The club has not claimed the top-flight crown since 2019 amid strong competition from Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
Current Star-Studded Roster
Al Nassr already fields a talented lineup, including Croatian World Cup finalist Marcelo Brozovic, Bundesliga champion Kingsley Coman, ex-Liverpool winger Sadio Mane, former Chelsea forward Joao Felix, and La Liga winner Inigo Martinez from Barcelona’s 2025 triumph.
Potential High-Profile Additions
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah shocked fans by announcing his departure from Liverpool in March after nine years, where he ranks third on the all-time scorers list with two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. Multiple offers have surfaced, with Al Nassr, owned by the Public Investment Fund, keen to pair the Egyptian with Ronaldo for a potent attack. Other Saudi clubs, including Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah, also track his availability.
Bernardo Silva
Al Nassr and Al-Hilal compete to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva on a free transfer, reports Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum indicate. The 31-year-old Portuguese playmaker, a six-time Premier League winner and Champions League victor under Pep Guardiola with 451 appearances since 2017, shares international duties with Ronaldo since 2015. Links to Barcelona, Juventus, and MLS clubs persist, but Saudi interest dates back to a 2023 £75 million-per-season Al Hilal bid.
Casemiro
Manchester United confirmed Casemiro’s exit upon contract expiry in June. The midfielder, previously linked to Saudi moves amid a fallout with former boss Erik ten Hag, draws interest from Ronaldo, his ex-Real Madrid teammate. Inter Miami, Sao Paulo, and others pursue him, but sources note Ronaldo sees Casemiro as the defensive pivot for Al Nassr dominance. Riyadh prepares a competitive financial package.
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger nears free agency in summer 2026 as his contract winds down. The La Liga and Champions League winner, who joined from Chelsea in 2022, attracts Al Nassr attention despite reports prioritizing a stay with Los Blancos via a one-year extension offer.
Diogo Costa
Al Nassr seeks a new goalkeeper after underwhelming performances from Bento and injured Raghed Al-Najjar. Porto’s 26-year-old Diogo Costa, a two-time Primeira Liga champion, emerges as a target despite links to Manchester United and City. His contract runs to June 2030, demanding a significant fee. Speaking to O Jogo, Costa expressed: “I would truly be the most fulfilled man in the world, because, as everyone knows, my dream has always been to play here. And now the story continues and I hope there will be more games.”
Squad Restrictions Pose Challenges
Despite the ambitious vision, Saudi Pro League rules for the 2024/25 season limit clubs to registering 10 non-Saudi players, with only eight eligible for the pitch or matchday squad in domestic games. Al Nassr may need compromises to rotate its potential superstars effectively.
