Al-Nassr’s Keeper Quest: Winter Signings Set the Stage for a Continental Comeback
1 October 2025
Winter signing on the horizon
Al-Nassr are closing in on their first winter signing under Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, aiming to bolster the goalkeeping department with a strong foreign stopper and part ways with Brazilian Pinto, who has spent recent weeks on the bench.
Pinto's role has faded after the Saudi Super Cup loss, with Jesus returning to his Brazilian shot-stopper and then moving to rely on other options to strengthen the side.
To widen the foreign player pool and keep the best, Jesus reportedly is leaning on Nawaf Al-Aqidi or third-choice Ragid Al-Najjar in goal and will trim Pinto from the squad ahead of the winter window.
Ragid Al-Najjar earned Jesus's trust after a superb display against a tough rival, saving a late penalty to seal a 2-0 victory.
Jesus champions a 'revolution' to reach the ideal mix that can win domestically and continentally.
Jesus intends to scrutinize all of Nasr's foreign players, except Cristiano Ronaldo, Kingsley Coman, and Joao Felix, until the winter to preserve the top assets.
The club's summer signings included Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman, Inigo Martinez, and a trio of local talents: Nader Al-Sharari, Abdul Malik Al-Jaber, Saad Al-Nasser, and Haroun Kamara.
Bolavip reported that Nasimento would be targeted to replace Pinto, with Santos valuing the keeper highly and foreign interest mounting.
Flamengo reportedly also bid, but negotiations stalled as Santos asked for a higher fee, while Nasimento preferred staying in Brazil given his affection for his club’s history.
Nasimento has European experience, starting at Cruzeiro, moving to Parma, then Inter Milan, with loans to Albacete, Real Oviedo, SPAL and Ternana before settling in Santos in 2024.
Early signs this season have been bright for Nasr, who opened with a 2-1 win over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal, despite playing with ten men after Sadio Mane's red card in the 25th minute, before losing the final on penalties to Al-Ahli.
Season momentum and star power
The campaign has seen Nasr sit top of the Saudi Pro League with a perfect 12 points and a hefty goal tally, and they beat Al-Ittihad again 2-0, contributing to Al-Ittihad’s decision to part ways with manager Laurent Blanc.
In domestic cup action, Nasr crushed Jeddah 4-0 and followed with a 5-0 triumph over Tajikistan's Istiklol Dushanbe in the AFC Champions League opener.
Next up is a date with Al-Zawraa in the Asian competition, before returning to league duties against Al-Fateh on October 18.
Individually, Jesus earned Coach of the Month honors, while Joao Felix grabbed Player of the Month for September after scoring five goals, leading the scoring charts ahead of Ronaldo and King.
Ronaldo continues to shine for the team, delivering decisive goals and setting a leadership tone that lifts the group on and off the pitch.
Numbers this season reflect a blend of goals and assists, with Ronaldo’s influence extending beyond scoring as a constant source of motivation for teammates.
Punchlines: If Pinto’s form were a target, even a sniper would miss. And remember, when life gives you a ball, just save it with a smile—two things a keeper should never forget.
