Al-Nassr Archives - The Cult of Calcio

Several players who left Serie A and Europe to move to Saudi Arabia are nearing the end of their original contracts and itching to head back.

A Few Familiar Faces Contemplate Leaving Saudi Arabia

October 22, 2025 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Manchester United, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2025-2026, Transfer Market Leave a comment

Several players who left Serie A and Europe to move to Saudi Arabia are nearing the end of their original contracts. A few of them are itching to head back. The exodus could start in January already. Frank Kessié, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Karim Benzema, and Kalidou Koulibaly could be available.

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina wants Claudio Ranieri or Stefano Pioli to replace Luciano Spalletti on the Italy bench.

Two Clear Frontrunners Quickly Emerge for the Italy Job

June 9, 2025 Enrico Passarella Fiorentina, Italian Football, Italy, Roma, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2025-2026, The Azzurri

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina wants Claudio Ranieri or Stefano Pioli to replace Luciano Spalletti on the Italy bench. The former Roma coach is the top choice for the federation. He’ll have to be talked into delaying his retirement a second time.

Juventus came close to signing Karim Adeyemi last summer and also kicked the tires on him in January, when Napoli were in the lead.

Juventus Losing Interest in Two Past Priority Targets

May 16, 2025 Enrico Passarella Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Serie A 2025-2026, Transfer Market

Juventus came close to signing Karim Adeyemi last summer and also kicked the tires on him in January, when instead Napoli pursued him with great resolve. The forward decided to stay put at Borussia Dortmund for two windows in a row.

Juventus came close to signing Ronald Araujo in January, but Barcelona reeled him in at the last second, convincing him to ink an extension.

Juventus Rumored to Be Out on Barcelona Defender

May 8, 2025 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Calciomercato, Chelsea, Feyenoord, Italian Football, Juventus, La Liga, Manchester United, Napoli, Premier League, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Serie A 2025-2026, Transfer Market, Valencia

Juventus came close to signing Ronald Araujo in January, but Barcelona reeled him in at the last second, convincing him to ink an extension. The Bianconeri were ready to make a significant investment, and he was keen on joining them.

Roma have been in touch with Cesc Fabregas amid their ongoing coaching search, as Claudio Ranieri stated that he wouldn't change his mind.

Roma Interested in Fast-Rising Como and Ajax Managers

April 29, 2025 Enrico Passarella Ajax, Como, Italian Football, Roma, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Serie A 2025-2026

Roma have been in touch with Cesc Fabregas amid their ongoing coaching search, as Claudio Ranieri restated a few times that there’s no chance of changing his mind and convincing him to guide the team for another campaign.

Claudio Ranieri reiterated that he didn’t lie when he ruled out Gian Piero Gasperini, and Roma are focusing on four other options.

Genoa Coach Added to High-Profile Roma Wish List

April 11, 2025 Enrico Passarella Genoa, Italian Football, Roma, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Serie A 2025-2026, Turkey

Claudio Ranieri reiterated that he didn’t lie when he ruled out Gian Piero Gasperini. The Giallorossi are currently focusing on four options. The latest entry to their shortlist is Patrick Vieira, who’s having a solid spell at Genoa.

Juventus are contemplating making a run at Stefano Pioli should they axe Thiago Motta after just one season. He's currently at Al-Nassr.

Juventus to Seriously Consider Pioli if They Fire Motta

March 13, 2025 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025

Juventus are contemplating making a run at Stefano Pioli should they axe Thiago Motta after just one season. Qualifying for the Champions League might not suffice to save the coach’s job following the double abrupt elimination from the cups.

Fenerbahçe were the first to submit a bid for Juventus star Vlahovic, but he's waiting for Milan and other foreign sides.

Vlahovic Turns Down Opportunity to Go to Saudi Arabia

January 28, 2025 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

Dusan Vlahovic will have to fight for minutes in the second half of the season after Juventus signed Randal Kolo Muani but hasn’t shown tangible signs of malcontent so far, nor is he pushing to leave. Al-Nassr offered him an escape route in recent days.

Inter Preparing Shock Swoop for Saudi Pro League Superstar to Shore Up Attacking Shortcomings

January 19, 2025 Marko Vrakela Inter, Inter Milan, Serie A, Transfer Market

Reigning Serie A champions Inter are reportedly ready to launch an offer for Al-Nassr star forward Sadio Mane this winter. According to French outlet Sport.fr via FCInter1908, Simone Inzaghi's men are considering approaching the Saudi Pro League powerhouse with a tangible proposal for the 32-year-old.

Jonathan David will transfer on a free at the end of the season, despite Lille’s efforts to keep him, and Juventus and Inter must be ready to pay up.

Inter & Juventus Face Stiff Saudi Arabian Competition for Sought-After Goal-Getter

December 28, 2024 Marko Vrakela Inter, Inter Milan, Juventus, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Transfer Market

Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr have reportedly joined Inter and Juventus in the race for outgoing Lille star Jonathan David. According to Calciomercato, Stefano Pioli's men are plotting a January swoop for the Canadian center-forward, looking to hijack his rumored switch to Serie A.

Despite the recent announcements by Danilo and Cristiano Giuntoli, a transfer to Napoli is still on the table, as Antonio Conte covets him.

Napoli Handed New Hope to Sign Danilo from Juventus

December 27, 2024 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Napoli, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Serie A, Serie A 2024-2025, Transfer Market

Despite the recent announcements by Danilo and Cristiano Giuntoli, a transfer to Napoli is still on the table, Antonio Conte continues to consider him the ideal man to shore up the backline. He’s been informed by the Bianconeri that he’s for sale.

Juventus will have to shell out nearly €10M to Cristiano Ronaldo, pending further legal actions, due to previous unpaid wages after losing in arbitration.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Sister Blasts Cassano: “He Was a Ball Boy”

October 1, 2024 Michel Sakr AC Milan, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Roma, Serie A

Cristiano Ronaldo's sister Elma Aveiro staunchly rose to her brother's defense following some criticism from retired striker Antonio Cassano, and didn't shy away from aiming digs at the notorious Italian.

Tag: Al-Nassr