Al Nassr Transfers 2024: Needs, Potential Signings, Targets and Outgoings

Al Nassr Transfers 2024: An Overview

Al Nassr have been one of the most competitive clubs in the Saudi Pro League over the last several seasons, always competing close to the top of the table. This season, they are currently in second place with 46 points from 19 games and trail leaders Al-Hilal by seven points at the halfway mark.

Established back in 1955, the club has won 28 official trophies in the Saudi footballing landscape and is one of the most decorated clubs in the land. This includes 18 Pro League titles, six King’s Cups, and two Saudi Super Cups, among other honors. However, trophies have dried up in recent times, with the last league title coming back in the 2018-19 season. Al Nassr did well last season but only finished second to eventual champions Al Ittihad by five points.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster move to join Al Nassr in January 2023 has given new-found momentum to their title credentials, with others like Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic also roped in to support the Portuguese talisman.

They once again find themselves in the mix along with other top Saudi clubs this season and could use some valuable additions in key areas should they aim to compete for the Pro League crown in the second half of the campaign.

With that said, let’s take a look at what kind of reinforcements Al Nassr require.

Al Nassr Transfers 2024: What do they need?

• Al Nassr have conceded the most goals among the top four sides so far this season. Their 23 goals conceded ranks highest among the top four sides. In comparison, leaders Al-Hilal have conceded just nine goals.
• Their current average stands at 1.2 goals conceded per game, which is far from the pace champions usually keep.
• Al Nassr have already conceded 23 goals this season in 19 games. They conceded just 18 throughout last season, having played 30 games.

A solid centre-back along with a defensive midfielder would be a boost for the club towards solving their defensive woes. They could also be in for a marquee goalkeeper to further solidify their defence.

• Meanwhile, attack seems to be much less of a problem. The club had scored 63 goals in total last season and have already hit 55 at the halfway mark this year.
• Top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo has already bagged 29 goals and assists this season, with Anderson Talisca in second place with 15 and Sadio Mane on 12.
• Back in 2018-19 when they were champions, top scorer Abderrazak Hamdallah had a whopping 43 goal contributions, with three other players hitting double digits for goals and assists that season.

The club’s current attackers’ roster of Ronaldo, Talisca and Mane seem to have that area covered as of now so forwards are not an urgent requirement.

ALSO READ: Al Nassr Transfers 2024: Needs, Potential Signings, Targets and Outgoings

Al Nassr Transfers 2024: Potential Targets & Signings

David De Gea

David De Gea came through the ranks at Atletico Madrid before earning a move to Manchester United back in 2011. Between then until recently, the Spaniard established himself as one of the greatest shot-stoppers in Premier League history. For a player of his stature and caliber, the way his stint with United ended would leave an unpleasant stain on his resume.

Aged just 33 and well within the prime years for goalkeepers, De Gea offers incredible presence between the sticks. His ability to make acrobatic saves on both sides at any height sets him apart from his peers. Standing at 6’4, De Gea uses his agility and reflexes to thwart the opposition.

In 629 appearances for Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, De Gea kept 213 clean sheets. He has also made 45 appearances for Spain, keeping 21 clean sheets.

As of now, De Gea is a free agent and Al Nassr could reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo should they make an offer to acquire his services.

Thomas Partey

Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfielder broke onto the European scene with Atletico Madrid back in 2013.

During his time in Spain, Partey displayed great box-to-box abilities wherein he could make stopping tackles in his own defensive third, win the ball and also carry it forward into the final third. He also has great range of passing and can play line-breaking balls to his wingers with relative ease.

Thomas Partey made 188 appearances for Atletico, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists. Since moving to England, he has represented Arsenal 104 times, scoring five and assisting four. He has also remarkably never been shown a straight red card in his club career, highlighting his ability to keep his head and focus on the game.

As of now, the Ghanaian has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal due to recurring injuries. A move to a less demanding league like the SPL could be on the cards soon.

Raphael Varane

Raphael Varane switched Real Madrid’s white top for Manchester United’s red back in 2021 and enjoyed a good first season with the club as he featured regularly. However, a recent spat with manager Erik ten Hag saw him temporarily being frozen out of the first team, with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans starting ahead of him.

Aged just 30 and already having won major honors such as the Champions League and the FIFA World Cup, Varane has little to prove to the outside world about his abilities. His relationship with ten Hag is also unlikely to sweeten overnight.

Moving to the SPL could be on the cards, but it probably won’t be easy for clubs to lure him. A temporary move for one season could be a possibility as a change of scene before returning to Europe.

Al Nassr Transfers 2024: Potential Departures

As of now, no notable player among the core group is on the verge of leaving, with players reportedly very happy playing for manager Luis Castro. However, given the stature of Cristiano Ronaldo, should anything change about the competitiveness of Al Nassr, the super-fit talisman could be on the move with possibilities of returning to Real Madrid, or to Sporting CP where it all began.

ALSO READ: Al-Ahli Saudi Transfers 2024: Needs, Targets, Potential Signings and Outgoings.