Al Nassr could have a side featuring some of the world’s top stars next season – if Cristiano Ronaldo’s team gets their way this summer
Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, along with a string of other high-profile names, could be set to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr next season. The Saudi Pro League club have gone without a top-flight title since 2019 and have been forced to contend with the recent dominance of Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad. It now appears they are pulling out all the stops to secure the crown next campaign. Al Nassr already possess a squad brimming with talent, featuring the likes of Croatian World Cup finalist and Serie A champion Marcelo Brozovic, alongside serial Bundesliga-winning French star Kingsley Coman.
Former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane, a Premier League and Champions League winner, also lines up alongside Ronaldo. Meanwhile, one-time world record signing and ex-Chelsea forward Joao Felix, as well as Inigo Martinez, who claimed La Liga glory with Barcelona in 2025, are among the other notable figures who complete their ranks. However, they could be on the verge of elevating their star-studded squad to even greater heights. Express Sport examines the five players who could arrive at Al Nassr this summer.
Salah sent shockwaves through the footballing world when he declared his intention to depart Liverpool in March after nine years at the club. The Egyptian sits third on the Reds’ all-time scoring charts and has claimed two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at Anfield.
Several bids have reportedly surfaced to secure his signature, amongst them one from Al Nassr. The club, owned by The Public Investment Fund (PIF), are understood to have expressed a wish to unite him with Ronaldo to forge a formidable attacking partnership, positioning him as the league’s next marquee acquisition.
Nevertheless, other Saudi clubs are also keeping a close eye on the striker’s circumstances, amongst them Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah. Questions have also been raised regarding precisely how Salah would slot into the setup at Al Nassr.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are locked in a battle to sign the Man City stalwart on a free transfer. The Portuguese playmaker joined City in 2017 and has racked up over 450 appearances, claiming six Premier League titles and the Champions League under Pep Guardiola.
With City having confirmed his departure at the season’s end, the 31-year-old is believed to be a priority target for Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Silva has been lining up alongside Ronaldo for the Portuguese national side since March 2015.
The attacking midfielder has additionally been linked with switches to Barcelona or Juventus, as well as clubs in the MLS. Yet his ties to the Saudi Pro League run strong, with Al Hilal believed to have been preparing a package worth £75million per season to lure the player away from City back in 2023.
Manchester United announced last month that Casemiro will depart when his contract expires in June. The midfielder became strongly linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia in 2023 as he slipped down the pecking order under former United manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo, who featured alongside Casemiro at Real Madrid, has purportedly advocated for the move. Inter Miami, co-owned by United icon David Beckham, are also eager to recruit Casemiro, it is understood.
Brazilian heavyweights Sao Paulo are likewise reportedly prepared to present the player with a two-year contract with an option to work for the club after he retires.
Though according to Marca, Ronaldo sees Casemiro as the defensive foundation required to guarantee Al-Nassr’s supremacy in the Saudi Pro League. The financial proposal being assembled in Riyadh is anticipated to rival virtually any other offer Casemiro attracts.
The German centre-back is nearing the closing months of his agreement at the Santiago Bernabeu and is poised to become a free agent in the summer of 2026. Rudiger arrived at Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2022.
The La Liga and Champions League winner is believed to be coveted by Al-Nassr. Though some reports suggest that remaining with Los Blancos is a “priority” for the centre-back. The Spanish powerhouses have reportedly tabled a one-year extension for the defender, which could hinder any move.
Diogo Costa
Al Nassr are reportedly seeking a new goalkeeper after growing dissatisfied with their current options, Brazilian shot-stopper Bento and the injured Raghed Al-Najjar. The 26-year-old Costa, who has claimed two Primeira Liga titles with Porto, would represent a significant acquisition for Al Nassr, with the likes of United and City both having been linked with him in recent times.
While Ronaldo and his teammates are said to be leading the pursuit of the goalkeeper, Costa penned a contract extension with Porto until June 2030 in December 2025, meaning the Saudi side would need to splash out a substantial fee to lure him away from his current club.
Speaking to O Jogo, Costa also revealed his desire to conclude his career in Portugal. He said: “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.”
While the club’s potential squad appears to be the stuff of Football Manager fantasy, there is a reality to any transfer plans they have in the summer.
From the 2024/25 season, SPL clubs are permitted to register a maximum of 10 non-Saudi players. However, while 10 can be registered, only eight non-Saudi players are allowed to be on the pitch or in the matchday squad for domestic games.
This means that should Al Nassr genuinely wish to assemble a super team, compromises will inevitably need to be struck.
