Locked In: Al Nassr Rebuffs Loan as Sami Najai Battles Back from ACL Setback

Al Nassr blocks star from leaving amid winter window

Al Nassr has prevented Sami Najai from departing the squad during the current winter transfer window, even though he has not appeared in a match since the start of the season.

Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadia reports that Al Shabab and Al Riyadh offered to take Sami Najai on loan until the end of the season, but the club rejected both proposals in line with coach Jorge Jesus's decision to keep the player.

Jesus reportedly insisted on holding onto the 28-year-old, citing the player's value and the team’s need for depth as they push for a strong second half of the season.

Najai has not played for Al Nassr under Jesus since the campaign began, due to a serious knee injury sustained in a 1-1 draw with Al Raed in the opening round of last season's Roshen Pro League, on August 22, 2024.

Since then, the midfielder has remained sidelined, but the Portuguese coach hopes he can be fit soon to bolster the squad for the remainder of the current season.

Punchline 1: If injuries were transfer fees, Sami would be a fully signed mega-deal by now.

Punchline 2: He’s not playing, but the rumor mill is training 24/7 — talk about a full-contact sport.