Jorge Jesus Maps a Clever Replacement Plan for Mane: Wesley Takes the Spotlight
11 December 2025
Replacement plan taking shape
Jorge Jesus, head coach of Al-Nassr, has settled on a replacement for Sadio Mane during the games Mane will miss due to participating in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mane will sit out nine matches: Al-Ahli, Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Hilal, Al-Shabab, Al-Najma, Al-Akhdood, Al-Ettifaq, Damk, and Iraq's Al-Zawraa in the AFC Champions League Elite.
According to Al-Yom newspaper, Jesus decided to rely on Wesley to fill in during the absence.
Those reports arrive despite rumors that Jesus has agreed to let Wesley depart.
Wesley joined Al-Nassr last season for €22.6 million, scoring four goals and providing as many assists in 33 matches across all competitions.
Jesus excluded Mane from the squad bound for the UAE training camp in Abu Dhabi.
Al-Nassr defeated the UAE's Al-Wahda 4-2 in a friendly on Wednesday. And yes, even friendly fixtures come with plot twists—if Wesley shines, maybe the spreadsheets will start singing. Punchline: at this rate, the trophy might need a referee to count the harvest.
