Al-Nassr had a disappointing 2023-24 campaign as they finished the season without a trophy. They improved massively from the 2022-23 season, where they finished with 67 points in 30 Saudi Pro League games to last season, where they earned 82 points from 34 games. However, they ended up as runners-up behind Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal respectively.
Despite an influx of superstars and Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-breaking season, they faltered at crucial moments of the season. Ronaldo scored 44 goals and provided 13 assists in 45 games across competitions. He broke the record for most goals scored in one Saudi Pro League season with 35 goals. However, it wasn’t enough to help them lift the trophy.
Al-Nassr were also eliminated from the AFC Champions League in the quarter-finals as they lost against Al-Ain on penalties. They then lost 2-1 against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final. They again lost to Al-Hilal, this time on penalties in the King Cup of Champions final.
Regardless, the Knights of Najd showed signs of improvement under manager Luis Castro and will look to build on it next season. They are likely to be heavily active in the summer transfer window to strengthen their side further.
Also Read: Saudi Pro League Transfer Window Predictions 2024: Big Players Who Could Move
Transfer Strategy
Al-Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo in December 2023 after he left Manchester United and it took football in Saudi Arabia to another level. This saw an influx of global stars to the league last summer and the clubs spent massive amounts of money to bring them in.
The Knights of Najd had spent just over €6 million in the 2022-23 season but spent over €160 million last summer. They are again likely to spend big money to secure signings this summer as they look to progress towards winning a trophy.
Areas for Improvement
Goalkeeping
Al-Nassr’s first-choice goalkeeper David Ospina has left the club as a free agent and will join Colombian side Atletico Nacional. Waleed Abdullah and Amin Al Bukhari filled in when Ospina was injured last season but the club will look to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer.
Defense
Luis Castro’s side conceded 42 goals in the Saudi Pro League last season, 19 more than champions Al-Hilal and the highest among the top four teams. Hence, they will be keen to address their defensive issues and strengthen it this summer.
The likes of Aymeric Laporte and Ali Lajami were quite inconsistent last season and arguably need a leader in defense.
Midfield
In midfield, the club signed Marcelo Brozovic last summer and did considerably well. However, his performances at Euro 2024 weren’t up to the mark and Al-Nassr would be wary of a potential dip in performance.
They would like to add more creativity and steel in midfield, especially from a big name from Europe.
Attack
While Cristiano Ronaldo had a sensational individual season, other Al-Nassr attackers failed to support him ably. Sadio Mane, who arrived last season, had a disappointing campaign. They were also hampered by Anderson Talisca’s major injury around midway into the season.
Rumors suggest they could part ways with Mane and hence, will look for replacements in the attacking third.
Top Targets
Al-Nassr have been heavily linked with a move for Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. The Premier League champions are also open to letting him leave so a transfer appears likely. They have also been linked with Wojciech Szczesny if a move for Ederson fails.
In defense, they have been linked with Raphael Varane, who left Manchester United as a free agent this summer. Sergio Ramos is also a potential target after leaving Sevilla as a free agent. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Clement Lenglet are also reportedly on their list.
In midfield, they’ve been linked with Casemiro, who could leave Manchester United this summer. Marco Reus also became a free agent this summer after leaving Borussia Dortmund and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
The Knights of Najd have also been linked with Moussa Diaby of Aston Villa although, a potential move for him seems highly unlikely.
Financial Capabilities
Saudi Arabian sides have no shortage of money and certainly not the top clubs in the league like Al-Nassr. The club spent around €166 million last summer and could be motivated to spend a similar amount this summer.
However, they could also gain some funds with sale of players like Sadio Mane, which wasn’t the case earlier. They will be desperate to win a trophy, especially the league next season, and will try their best to build a team around Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 39 now.
Also Read: Will Cristiano Ronaldo play for Al Nassr Next Season? Club CEO Makes Bold Prediction