It looks like Saudi Pro League clubs will have a very busy January transfer window as the league continues to grow both in popularity and image. Al-Nassr were the first to put the country on the soccer map when they signed Cristiano Ronaldo two years ago.
Since then, the club has gone on to bring in more talented soccer stars such as Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, Marcelo Brozovic, and others. And they are still working on to bring in more firepower, but that has now hit a major roadblock.
Former Madrid winger snubs Al-Nassr move
Al-Nassr were very focused on improving their attack up front to partner up with Cristiano Ronaldo. They focused on Takefusa Kubo, the Japanese winger who is tearing up La Liga with Real Sociedad. He was formerly in Barcelona’s famous ‘La Masia’ academy and was even at Real Madrid before finding his feet at Real Sociedad. Last season, he contributed heavily to the team, helping them qualify for the Champions League.
Being one of the most exciting players this season with six goals and three assists so far, he is on the radar of many big clubs, including Saudi Pro League clubs like Al-Nassr. A January transfer was on the cards, with the clubs eager to pay his €60 million release clause. However, the player has rejected any advances, as he wants to keep playing in Spain at the highest level. This is despite the fact that he was offered a deal reportedly worth €40 million.
🚨 Takefusa Kubo said NO to Al-Nassr! 🤯🇸🇦
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 23, 2024
He REJECTED a contract offer worth €40M. 💰
(Source: @relevo / @Estadio_ED) pic.twitter.com/Q3EiBgO0l5
Kubo is very happy at the club, where he has gotten to be the star of the team. Many other clubs, such as Tottenham, Arsenal, and even former club Real Madrid, are very interested in him. So, Kubo is also expecting a big move in the future at any of these clubs. This means that Al-Nassr will have to look to other players to target.
Al-Nassr eyeing Manchester United defender
Al-Nassr wasn’t just targeting a single player; they were also keen to bring in good defenders to the club. The Saudi giants were ready to spend £20 million on Emerson Royal from Tottenham Hotspurs, wanting to strengthen the right-back position. Due to that, they have decided to target Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United, where they will also have competition from other European clubs.
El Al Nassr está listo para hacer una oferta por Aaron Wan Bissaka. (@mcgrathmike) #mufc #mulive pic.twitter.com/DSqJtxgeaj
— Mufc esp xtra (@mufcespxtrafc) January 23, 2024
The 26-year-old’s contract had a one-year extension activated at Old Trafford, which means he will be there until the end of next season. Aaron has not been at his best as well, with injuries hampering him this season. United may be ready to cash in on the player while they still can, as they have big transfer plans this summer.
Al-Nassr will now look at whether they can sign their preferred targets, while they will also focus on the friendly game against Shanghai Shenhua tomorrow.
