Al Nassr’s Quiet Winter Gambit: A Secret European Defender to Fortify the Backline
27 November 2025
Defensive target in January
Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus of Al Nassr outlined in broad strokes his winter transfer plan, focusing on shoring up the backline by signing a standout European defender.
Saudi daily The Day reported that the club has moved early to reinforce the squad with heavyweight deals in January.
Jesus is said to have drawn up a secret shortlist of three top European defenders who could join in January 2026, with the defender being the first January signing.
The target’s identity is being kept under wraps to keep rivals from hijacking the deal, especially after transfer hiccups in the summer window.
Jesus believes Al Nassr must reinforce the backline to stay atop the Saudi Pro League and compete in the AFC Champions League 2.
The coach has built a blend of experience, quality, and youth, and is credited with a robust physical and mental readiness among players for recent results.
After beating Istiklol in the ACL group, Jesus granted players an eight-day break and outlined a plan to conduct two training sessions in Riyadh on December 5-6, before heading to the UAE for a five-day camp starting on December 7, timing with the league pause.
Six players will miss the camp to join the Saudi national team for the Arab Cup. Domestic competition will pause for about 28 days, with Nassr set to face Al-Najma in Round 10 on December 21.
In another thread, Prince Abdullah bin Musaed praised Ronaldo as the only foreign player whose salary and influence justify the contract, given his impact on the club and Saudi football.
A Saudi TV pundit, Walid Al-Farraj, sparked debate by contrasting Al Hilal’s World Cup club run to Ronaldo’s goal against Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, asking which is more beneficial to Saudi football.»
Overall, Jesus remains confident that a European defender could lift the defense and help turn the project into tangible trophies this season, balancing star power with domestic development and fan enthusiasm.
Punchline 1: If defense wins championships, Jesus just filed the patent for a fortress you can’t walk through with flip-flops.
Punchline 2: January signings guaranteed to be so smooth that even Ronaldo would pause mid-celebration to watch the paperwork shuffle itself.
