Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr have yet to receive clearance to renew the contracts of two of Cristiano Ronaldo’s teammates amid their financial troubles, as per 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.
According to news outlet Ariyadhiah, Al-Nassr have not been permitted to hand new deals to Abdurahman Ghareeb and Raghad Najjar. Both players are out of contract at the club and could potentially join other teams as free agents by the end of the transfer window.
Thanks for the submission!
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. They have been unable to register both players as a result of their financial situation, with the league’s financial control committee restricting them from registering the new contracts.
Winger Ghareeb was a key player for the Knights of Najd last season, appearing 32 times across all competitions and contributing six goals and six assists. He has been at the club since 2022 and turned down opportunities to sign for Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad earlier this year.
Goalkeeper Najjar has also pledged his future to the club, having played just three times before he ruptured his ACL in March. The Saudi international serves as the third-choice between the sticks for Al-Nassr, but could now move away for free.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s side have not strengthened their ranks since winning the title, with only Samu Costa having been brought in from Mallorca. They will hope to find a formula to win using what they have, particularly with Ange Postecoglou in charge.
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Al-Nassr for 2026-27 season
Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to the club as a newly-wed ahead of the commencement of the 2026-27 season. The 41-year-old spent the summer away from the club as preparations unfolded under the guidance of new boss Ange Postecoglou.
Ronaldo made his return to the club after an eventful summer in which he played at the FIFA World Cup before getting married to long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez. He played five times at the Mundial this summer, scoring three goals as Portugal were eliminated at the Round of 16 stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo was instrumental as Al-Nassr claimed the Saudi Pro League title under Jorge Jesus last season. He scored 28 goals and provided two assists in 30 appearances in the league, narrowly missing out on the Golden Boot.
Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen
