Al-Ittihad FC defeated Al-Fateh 2-3 in the King's Cup. The fixture is part of the Round of 16 stage in the 2022 season. The match was played at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium in Al-Hasa. Khaled Salwi officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad FC meeting in King's Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Al-Fateh and Al-Ittihad FC. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
King's CupRecorded meetings: 1 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Al-FatehAl-Ittihad FC defeated Al-Fateh 2-3 in the King's Cup. The fixture is part of the Round of 16 stage in the 2022 season. The match was played at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium in Al-Hasa. Khaled Salwi officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Al-Fateh vs Al-Ittihad FC meeting in King's Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Al-Fateh and Al-Ittihad FC. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
King's CupRecorded meetings: 1 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Al-Fateh
The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal's World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s return to Al-Nassr has taken another unexpected turn, with the Portuguese superstar set to spend more time away from the club after a fresh decision from Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff. The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal’s World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. The 41-year-old has remained at the center of attention despite being away from the pitch, with his holiday, family life and future plans generating plenty of discussion. Now, however, a new report has provided a clearer picture of what Postecoglou and Al-Nassr have decided regarding Ronaldo’s return. According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff, led by Postecoglou, have decided to give Ronaldo additional rest rather than rushing him back into competitive action. The Portuguese forward is therefore expected to miss Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah. The decision means the 41-year-old will have more time to recover from what has been an unusually demanding year. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts Ronaldo’s extended break follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The national team lost narrowly to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an emotional end to the striker’s international career and giving him another reason to step away from soccer before beginning preparations for the new club season. Ronaldo’s comeback date finally comes into focus The fresh 365Scores Arabic update provides the clearest indication yet of when supporters can expect to see Ronaldo back in an Al-Nassr shirt. His return is now expected to come against Al-Riyadh on August 21, meaning the club’s captain will surely miss the first two competitive fixtures before making his comeback. The decision represents a change from earlier expectations that Ronaldo would return to training relatively soon after completing his post-World Cup recovery period. Instead, Postecoglou has opted to prioritize additional rest, allowing his biggest star to return when he is fully ready for the campaign ahead. القائـد كريستيانو رونالدو يلتقي بنجوم الفريق قبل مواجهة #النصر_الميريا 🤩 pic.twitter.com/szIUbd8ski— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) August 4, 2026 Al-Nassr’s preseason preparations have been taking place in Lisbon under Postecoglou, but Ronaldo is not expected to join the squad during the overseas training camp. The camp officially concluded on August 5, with the squad then scheduled to return to Riyadh. That leaves Ronaldo with a relatively short period to work with his teammates before his eventual competitive return. Still, the club appears willing to sacrifice an early appearance from its captain in exchange for giving him the time needed to prepare properly. Wedding reports create more confusion Ronaldo’s extended absence has also been linked to his personal life, with reports claiming that the superstar had been granted leave to celebrate his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. However, those reports quickly became complicated after Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, publicly pushed back against claims that the couple was getting married. “Why do people think Ronaldo is getting married when he’s never even announced it himself?” she wrote on Instagram, before questioning why the media continued to speculate about the couple’s plans. 🚨🗣️ Elma Aveiro, hermana de la leyenda Cristiano, sobre la aglomeración de la gente en la plaza de la catedral esperando ver a Cristiano Ronaldo y Georgina:Pero ¿por qué cree la gente que Ronaldo se va a casar, si él mismo no lo ha anunciado desde el principio? De todos modos pic.twitter.com/awvdiZqzy9— Arielipillo (@arielipillo) August 8, 2026 Ronaldo himself appea
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have a new midfield partner at Al-Nassr, with Samu Costa’s long-awaited move from Mallorca finally appearing to be on the verge of completion. After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. For much of the summer, Al-Nassr’s transfer plans had been complicated by financial restrictions that prevented the club from formally completing previously agreed deals. That situation appears to have changed, with Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reporting that the club has completed the procedures required to lift the restrictions and resume its recruitment activity. The breakthrough is particularly important because Al-Nassr had reportedly reached an agreement with Real Mallorca in July for Samu Costa. However, the transfer could not immediately be registered because of the financial monitoring imposed on the Saudi champion. According to Al-Riyadiyah, the restrictions have now been lifted, allowing the team to move forward with the registration of new players. The development effectively removes the biggest obstacle standing between Costa and his move to Riyadh. The club’s financial problems had become a major issue during the offseason, with reports claiming that Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding $280 million. The restructuring process involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company, and efforts to reorganize existing financial commitments. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Samu Costa announcement date emerges The latest update now gives a much clearer picture of when supporters could finally see the transfer made official. Former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie revealed that the league sent approval for Samu Costa on Sunday morning, meaning the club can now submit the documentation to the Professionalism Committee. Al-Subaie also provided an indication of when the announcement could arrive. According to his update, Al-Nassr’s official account is expected to announce the Samu Costa deal within the next 72 hours. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 during Portugal’s training session. That would bring the Portuguese midfielder closer to becoming the Knight of Najd’s first summer signing after the club finally overcame the financial restrictions that had delayed its recruitment plans. Another Saudi journalist, Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi, also reported that Costa is expected to arrive in Riyadh within the next two days. The timing adds another layer of intrigue to the move, as Al-Nassr is already preparing for the start of the new campaign. The club begins its Saudi Pro League season against Al-Fateh, while it also has ambitions of defending its domestic crown and making another serious push in the AFC Champions League Elite. Costa would fill major midfield vacancy Costa’s arrival would address an important need in the squad following the departure of Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season, leaving the club with a significant vacancy in the center of the pitch. Costa, who has established himself as an important midfielder at Real Mallorca, would offer another option in an area that needs greater depth. His arrival could become one of the first major pieces of Al-Nassr’s squad rebuild after the club’s financial restrictions were eased. The Portuguese midfielder is also arriving at a fascinating point in the club’s development. Ronaldo remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project, while the club is looking to surround its captain with enough quality to compete on multiple fronts.
While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad's summer recruitment strategy. Cristiano Ronaldo has unexpectedly found himself connected to one of the biggest transfer stories involving one of Al-Nassr’s fiercest Saudi Pro League rivals. While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad’s summer recruitment strategy. The latest move has raised eyebrows across the league, especially as Al-Ittihad moved quickly to strengthen its squad while Al-Nassr is still waiting to complete its first major signing of the transfer window. Ronaldo’s investment outside Saudi Arabia has now played an indirect role in helping one of the club’s biggest domestic competitors. Al-Ittihad has officially completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria, making him the club’s first overseas arrival of the summer transfer window. According to reports from Al-Riyadiah and several other outlets, the 24-year-old signed a long-term contract after the Tigers agreed to pay approximately $15 million, with the transfer fee scheduled to be paid in installments. The deal also reportedly includes a 10% sell-on clause in favor of Almeria should Lopy be transferred again in the future. The Tigers’ midfield is under the Black Panther’s command 🇸🇳🐅 pic.twitter.com/wDtEPNLc6U— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 The Saudi club confirmed the transfer through an announcement on its official social media channels, although it did not disclose the financial details. Ronaldo’s Almeria investment creates unexpected link The transfer carries an unusual twist because Almeria is partially owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier in 2026, Ronaldo acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish club, expanding his soccer portfolio while continuing his playing career with Al-Nassr. That investment means one of Ronaldo’s clubs has now completed a profitable sale to Al-Ittihad, a direct Saudi Pro League rival that continues to challenge Al-Nassr for domestic honors. The timing has attracted attention because Al-Ittihad has already secured its first major foreign signing, while Al-Nassr has yet to bring in a new player during the current transfer window. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC competes for the ball with Ahmed Al-Julaydan of team Al-Ittihad FC The Senegal international joins Al-Ittihad following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season. Lopy primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a deeper central role. His versatility is expected to provide additional balance in midfield as the club prepares for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. Since arriving at Almeria from Stade Reims in 2023, Lopy made 105 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing six assists across all competitions. Tansfer that benefits everyone The midfielder built a reputation in Spain through his physical presence, defensive awareness and ability to recover possession. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured regularly in midfield while also contributing going forward with three goals and two assists in league competition. Statistical reports highlighted his impact in defensive situations, including strong numbers for tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries and aerial duels. His passing range also made him an attractive option for a possession-based side looking to strengthen its midfield. From the Land of Teranga 🇸🇳 to the Tigers’ Den 🐅 pic.twitter.com/9qz0cG9wQO— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 For Al-Ittihad, the signing addresses an important gap left by Fabinho’s departure while adding an experienced international midfielder entering
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. The fixture carries added intrigue because of Ronaldo’s unique connection to the Spanish club, making his absence even more noticeable ahead of one of the final warm-up matches before the new campaign. The friendly, scheduled at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, is expected to provide another important test for both clubs. While Al-Nassr continues preparing under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Almeria is using the occasion to sharpen its squad ahead of the new Segunda Division season. Almeria heads into the match after gradually building rhythm during preseason under new manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Friendlies against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis have helped the Spanish side improve fitness levels while allowing the coaching staff to implement a possession-based style of play. Monday’s preparations included another double training session, with recent signing Mikel Vesga fully integrated into the squad. Garcia Pimienta has continued emphasizing collective movement and ball retention as the foundations of his football philosophy. ⚽️ ¡Hoy tenemos un gran partido de pretemporada! 🤩🆚 @AlNassrFC.⌚️ 19:00 h. 🇪🇸📍🇵🇹 Cidade do Futebol.📺 Streaming en nuestro perfil de X. 🤝 Partido patrocinado por @Alawalyre.#PretemporadaUDA pic.twitter.com/c45iiRgZbn— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) August 4, 2026 On the opposite side, Al-Nassr is also entering the closing stages of its Portuguese training camp. The Saudi champion has produced mixed results so far, losing to Benfica B before defeating Merida and then suffering a 4-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora. Why Ronaldo is missing the match Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Almeria because he is still enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. According to multiple reports, the decision has nothing to do with injury or fitness concerns. Instead, Al-Nassr has granted its captain additional time off before the demanding 2026-27 season begins. Reports indicate Ronaldo will only return after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Portugal. The Lisbon camp concludes on August 5, after which the squad will travel back to Riyadh before making final preparations for the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. That timeline would leave Ronaldo with roughly one week of full training before the competitive campaign begins. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo still expected to be involved Although he will not appear on the pitch, Ronaldo is reportedly expected to attend the match from the VIP section. Spanish newspaper Marca reports suggest the Portuguese icon will watch alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, one of his closest business partners. His presence would allow him to support Al-Nassr while also acknowledging another important part of his soccer career away from playing. The visit has also fueled optimism that Ronaldo’s return to team training is drawing closer after several weeks away from the squad. This preseason friendly carries additional significance because the 41-year-old superstar became a part-owner of Almeria earlier this year. In February 2026, the Portuguese legend reportedly acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in the Spanish club through CR7 Sports Investments, partnering with Almeria owner Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
Cristiano Ronaldo could have Mohamed Salah as a rival, after reports indicate the forward is close to joining the Saudi Pro League. Mohamed Salah could soon share a league — and a rivalry — with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Egyptian forward, who departed Liverpool as a free agent after nine years at Anfield, remains on course for a move to Al Ittihad, in what would set up direct confrontations with Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for years to come. Al Ittihad have offered Salah an annual salary in the region of $25 million, and the 33-year-old has reportedly accepted those terms in principle, with the move said to be approaching its final stages. However, the deal is not entirely in Salah’s hands. Al Ittihad had initially planned to sell Moussa Diaby this summer to make room for the Egyptian on the right wing, but the club reversed course in late July, confirming they had no intention of letting the Frenchman go. That stance has since been complicated by Diaby himself, who has pushed to leave and is reportedly in direct contact with Inter Milan over a move to Serie A, while Bayer Leverkusen — his former club — are also working to bring him back to the Bundesliga on reduced wages. Until Al Ittihad resolve Diaby’s future, Salah’s arrival remains contingent on a spot opening up in the squad. Moussa Diaby of Al Ittihad. (Getty Images) Should the move go through, Salah would find Ronaldo waiting on the other side of the Saudi Pro League table. Ronaldo, who signed a contract extension with Al-Nassr through 2027, led the club to the Saudi Pro League title last season, and the prospect of Salah joining as a direct rival has added an extra layer of intrigue to a transfer saga that has dragged on for months. Turkey also keeping tabs on Salah Al Ittihad are not the only side being linked with Salah, and Turkey has re-emerged as a talking point in recent days. Trabzonspor were reported to have moved ahead of Besiktas in the race, with some Turkish outlets claiming the two sides were closing in on personal terms for a two-year deal. However, Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan shut that down directly, stating, “there is no such agreement,” and adding that no talks had even been scheduled. Besiktas, for their part, had already tabled an offer worth roughly €10 million net per season plus €2 million in bonuses on a 1+1-year deal, but that proposal has reportedly been shelved as talks with Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia continue to advance.
While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature when Al-Nassr faces Estrela Amadora in Portugal, with the Saudi champion continuing its preseason preparations under Ange Postecoglou. While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. The absence has generated plenty of discussion because Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to appear in any of Al-Nassr’s preseason fixtures, even as several of his teammates have already returned from international duty. Instead, the club has chosen to move forward with its Portugal training camp while waiting for its captain to rejoin the squad at a later date. So far, Al-Nassr has experienced mixed preseason results. The Saudi Pro League winner lost 2-1 to Benfica B before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Spanish side Merida, with further matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria still scheduled. However, for Estrela Amadora, the match carries significance beyond being another preseason fixture. The Portuguese club is using the game as its official presentation for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing fans to see the squad before the Primeira Liga season begins. The match also launches the inaugural Trofeu Cidade da Amadora, making it an important event for the home club. Troféu 𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐀 🆚 AL Nassr pic.twitter.com/uIuacsjcMr— CF Estrela da Amadora (@estrelamadora) August 1, 2026 Estrela itself has an interesting modern history. After the original club entered bankruptcy in 2011, it was re-established in 2020 through a merger, allowing soccer in Amadora to continue at the professional level. The reason why Ronaldo is missing The Portuguese forward is still enjoying his scheduled break following the 2026 World Cup and is not expected to return until after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Lisbon. According to multiple reports, including Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari, the 41-year-old will not join the squad in Portugal and is instead expected to report once the team returns to Riyadh. Al-Nassr’s overseas camp concludes on August 5, after which the players will receive a short break before final preparations begin for the new Saudi Pro League season. That schedule means Ronaldo is likely to have around one week of full training before the team opens its league title defense against Al-Fateh on August 15. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Ronaldo’s delayed return opens door for Felix Away from soccer, Ronaldo has spent the past several weeks relaxing with his family after the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently shared vacation photos from Mallorca alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., with one Instagram caption simply reading: “Not yet.” View this post on Instagram The family holiday came after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain, a tournament that marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Following such an emotional conclusion, both the player and the club appear comfortable allowing additional recovery time before he returns to club duties. With Ronaldo unavailable, his compatriot Joao Felix becomes one of the main attractions for the Knight of Najd. The Portugal international has already spent valuable time adapting to Postecoglou’s tactical ideas and is expected to play a major creative role during the friendly.
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The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal's World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s return to Al-Nassr has taken another unexpected turn, with the Portuguese superstar set to spend more time away from the club after a fresh decision from Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff. The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal’s World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. The 41-year-old has remained at the center of attention despite being away from the pitch, with his holiday, family life and future plans generating plenty of discussion. Now, however, a new report has provided a clearer picture of what Postecoglou and Al-Nassr have decided regarding Ronaldo’s return. According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff, led by Postecoglou, have decided to give Ronaldo additional rest rather than rushing him back into competitive action. The Portuguese forward is therefore expected to miss Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah. The decision means the 41-year-old will have more time to recover from what has been an unusually demanding year. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts Ronaldo’s extended break follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The national team lost narrowly to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an emotional end to the striker’s international career and giving him another reason to step away from soccer before beginning preparations for the new club season. Ronaldo’s comeback date finally comes into focus The fresh 365Scores Arabic update provides the clearest indication yet of when supporters can expect to see Ronaldo back in an Al-Nassr shirt. His return is now expected to come against Al-Riyadh on August 21, meaning the club’s captain will surely miss the first two competitive fixtures before making his comeback. The decision represents a change from earlier expectations that Ronaldo would return to training relatively soon after completing his post-World Cup recovery period. Instead, Postecoglou has opted to prioritize additional rest, allowing his biggest star to return when he is fully ready for the campaign ahead. القائـد كريستيانو رونالدو يلتقي بنجوم الفريق قبل مواجهة #النصر_الميريا 🤩 pic.twitter.com/szIUbd8ski— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) August 4, 2026 Al-Nassr’s preseason preparations have been taking place in Lisbon under Postecoglou, but Ronaldo is not expected to join the squad during the overseas training camp. The camp officially concluded on August 5, with the squad then scheduled to return to Riyadh. That leaves Ronaldo with a relatively short period to work with his teammates before his eventual competitive return. Still, the club appears willing to sacrifice an early appearance from its captain in exchange for giving him the time needed to prepare properly. Wedding reports create more confusion Ronaldo’s extended absence has also been linked to his personal life, with reports claiming that the superstar had been granted leave to celebrate his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. However, those reports quickly became complicated after Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, publicly pushed back against claims that the couple was getting married. “Why do people think Ronaldo is getting married when he’s never even announced it himself?” she wrote on Instagram, before questioning why the media continued to speculate about the couple’s plans. 🚨🗣️ Elma Aveiro, hermana de la leyenda Cristiano, sobre la aglomeración de la gente en la plaza de la catedral esperando ver a Cristiano Ronaldo y Georgina:Pero ¿por qué cree la gente que Ronaldo se va a casar, si él mismo no lo ha anunciado desde el principio? De todos modos pic.twitter.com/awvdiZqzy9— Arielipillo (@arielipillo) August 8, 2026 Ronaldo himself appea
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have a new midfield partner at Al-Nassr, with Samu Costa’s long-awaited move from Mallorca finally appearing to be on the verge of completion. After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. For much of the summer, Al-Nassr’s transfer plans had been complicated by financial restrictions that prevented the club from formally completing previously agreed deals. That situation appears to have changed, with Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reporting that the club has completed the procedures required to lift the restrictions and resume its recruitment activity. The breakthrough is particularly important because Al-Nassr had reportedly reached an agreement with Real Mallorca in July for Samu Costa. However, the transfer could not immediately be registered because of the financial monitoring imposed on the Saudi champion. According to Al-Riyadiyah, the restrictions have now been lifted, allowing the team to move forward with the registration of new players. The development effectively removes the biggest obstacle standing between Costa and his move to Riyadh. The club’s financial problems had become a major issue during the offseason, with reports claiming that Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding $280 million. The restructuring process involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company, and efforts to reorganize existing financial commitments. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Samu Costa announcement date emerges The latest update now gives a much clearer picture of when supporters could finally see the transfer made official. Former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie revealed that the league sent approval for Samu Costa on Sunday morning, meaning the club can now submit the documentation to the Professionalism Committee. Al-Subaie also provided an indication of when the announcement could arrive. According to his update, Al-Nassr’s official account is expected to announce the Samu Costa deal within the next 72 hours. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 during Portugal’s training session. That would bring the Portuguese midfielder closer to becoming the Knight of Najd’s first summer signing after the club finally overcame the financial restrictions that had delayed its recruitment plans. Another Saudi journalist, Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi, also reported that Costa is expected to arrive in Riyadh within the next two days. The timing adds another layer of intrigue to the move, as Al-Nassr is already preparing for the start of the new campaign. The club begins its Saudi Pro League season against Al-Fateh, while it also has ambitions of defending its domestic crown and making another serious push in the AFC Champions League Elite. Costa would fill major midfield vacancy Costa’s arrival would address an important need in the squad following the departure of Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season, leaving the club with a significant vacancy in the center of the pitch. Costa, who has established himself as an important midfielder at Real Mallorca, would offer another option in an area that needs greater depth. His arrival could become one of the first major pieces of Al-Nassr’s squad rebuild after the club’s financial restrictions were eased. The Portuguese midfielder is also arriving at a fascinating point in the club’s development. Ronaldo remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project, while the club is looking to surround its captain with enough quality to compete on multiple fronts.
While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad's summer recruitment strategy. Cristiano Ronaldo has unexpectedly found himself connected to one of the biggest transfer stories involving one of Al-Nassr’s fiercest Saudi Pro League rivals. While the Portuguese superstar continues preparing for another season in Saudi Arabia, developments away from the pitch have placed his growing soccer business interests in the spotlight alongside Al-Ittihad’s summer recruitment strategy. The latest move has raised eyebrows across the league, especially as Al-Ittihad moved quickly to strengthen its squad while Al-Nassr is still waiting to complete its first major signing of the transfer window. Ronaldo’s investment outside Saudi Arabia has now played an indirect role in helping one of the club’s biggest domestic competitors. Al-Ittihad has officially completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Dion Lopy from Spanish club Almeria, making him the club’s first overseas arrival of the summer transfer window. According to reports from Al-Riyadiah and several other outlets, the 24-year-old signed a long-term contract after the Tigers agreed to pay approximately $15 million, with the transfer fee scheduled to be paid in installments. The deal also reportedly includes a 10% sell-on clause in favor of Almeria should Lopy be transferred again in the future. The Tigers’ midfield is under the Black Panther’s command 🇸🇳🐅 pic.twitter.com/wDtEPNLc6U— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 The Saudi club confirmed the transfer through an announcement on its official social media channels, although it did not disclose the financial details. Ronaldo’s Almeria investment creates unexpected link The transfer carries an unusual twist because Almeria is partially owned by Cristiano Ronaldo. Earlier in 2026, Ronaldo acquired a 25% ownership stake in the Spanish club, expanding his soccer portfolio while continuing his playing career with Al-Nassr. That investment means one of Ronaldo’s clubs has now completed a profitable sale to Al-Ittihad, a direct Saudi Pro League rival that continues to challenge Al-Nassr for domestic honors. The timing has attracted attention because Al-Ittihad has already secured its first major foreign signing, while Al-Nassr has yet to bring in a new player during the current transfer window. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC competes for the ball with Ahmed Al-Julaydan of team Al-Ittihad FC The Senegal international joins Al-Ittihad following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, whose contract expired at the end of last season. Lopy primarily operates as a defensive midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a deeper central role. His versatility is expected to provide additional balance in midfield as the club prepares for the upcoming Saudi Pro League campaign. Since arriving at Almeria from Stade Reims in 2023, Lopy made 105 appearances, scoring four goals and contributing six assists across all competitions. Tansfer that benefits everyone The midfielder built a reputation in Spain through his physical presence, defensive awareness and ability to recover possession. During the 2025-26 campaign, he featured regularly in midfield while also contributing going forward with three goals and two assists in league competition. Statistical reports highlighted his impact in defensive situations, including strong numbers for tackles, interceptions, ball recoveries and aerial duels. His passing range also made him an attractive option for a possession-based side looking to strengthen its midfield. From the Land of Teranga 🇸🇳 to the Tigers’ Den 🐅 pic.twitter.com/9qz0cG9wQO— Al-Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) August 5, 2026 For Al-Ittihad, the signing addresses an important gap left by Fabinho’s departure while adding an experienced international midfielder entering
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. The fixture carries added intrigue because of Ronaldo’s unique connection to the Spanish club, making his absence even more noticeable ahead of one of the final warm-up matches before the new campaign. The friendly, scheduled at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, is expected to provide another important test for both clubs. While Al-Nassr continues preparing under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Almeria is using the occasion to sharpen its squad ahead of the new Segunda Division season. Almeria heads into the match after gradually building rhythm during preseason under new manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Friendlies against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis have helped the Spanish side improve fitness levels while allowing the coaching staff to implement a possession-based style of play. Monday’s preparations included another double training session, with recent signing Mikel Vesga fully integrated into the squad. Garcia Pimienta has continued emphasizing collective movement and ball retention as the foundations of his football philosophy. ⚽️ ¡Hoy tenemos un gran partido de pretemporada! 🤩🆚 @AlNassrFC.⌚️ 19:00 h. 🇪🇸📍🇵🇹 Cidade do Futebol.📺 Streaming en nuestro perfil de X. 🤝 Partido patrocinado por @Alawalyre.#PretemporadaUDA pic.twitter.com/c45iiRgZbn— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) August 4, 2026 On the opposite side, Al-Nassr is also entering the closing stages of its Portuguese training camp. The Saudi champion has produced mixed results so far, losing to Benfica B before defeating Merida and then suffering a 4-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora. Why Ronaldo is missing the match Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Almeria because he is still enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. According to multiple reports, the decision has nothing to do with injury or fitness concerns. Instead, Al-Nassr has granted its captain additional time off before the demanding 2026-27 season begins. Reports indicate Ronaldo will only return after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Portugal. The Lisbon camp concludes on August 5, after which the squad will travel back to Riyadh before making final preparations for the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. That timeline would leave Ronaldo with roughly one week of full training before the competitive campaign begins. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo still expected to be involved Although he will not appear on the pitch, Ronaldo is reportedly expected to attend the match from the VIP section. Spanish newspaper Marca reports suggest the Portuguese icon will watch alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, one of his closest business partners. His presence would allow him to support Al-Nassr while also acknowledging another important part of his soccer career away from playing. The visit has also fueled optimism that Ronaldo’s return to team training is drawing closer after several weeks away from the squad. This preseason friendly carries additional significance because the 41-year-old superstar became a part-owner of Almeria earlier this year. In February 2026, the Portuguese legend reportedly acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in the Spanish club through CR7 Sports Investments, partnering with Almeria owner Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
Cristiano Ronaldo could have Mohamed Salah as a rival, after reports indicate the forward is close to joining the Saudi Pro League. Mohamed Salah could soon share a league — and a rivalry — with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Egyptian forward, who departed Liverpool as a free agent after nine years at Anfield, remains on course for a move to Al Ittihad, in what would set up direct confrontations with Ronaldo’s Al Nassr for years to come. Al Ittihad have offered Salah an annual salary in the region of $25 million, and the 33-year-old has reportedly accepted those terms in principle, with the move said to be approaching its final stages. However, the deal is not entirely in Salah’s hands. Al Ittihad had initially planned to sell Moussa Diaby this summer to make room for the Egyptian on the right wing, but the club reversed course in late July, confirming they had no intention of letting the Frenchman go. That stance has since been complicated by Diaby himself, who has pushed to leave and is reportedly in direct contact with Inter Milan over a move to Serie A, while Bayer Leverkusen — his former club — are also working to bring him back to the Bundesliga on reduced wages. Until Al Ittihad resolve Diaby’s future, Salah’s arrival remains contingent on a spot opening up in the squad. Moussa Diaby of Al Ittihad. (Getty Images) Should the move go through, Salah would find Ronaldo waiting on the other side of the Saudi Pro League table. Ronaldo, who signed a contract extension with Al-Nassr through 2027, led the club to the Saudi Pro League title last season, and the prospect of Salah joining as a direct rival has added an extra layer of intrigue to a transfer saga that has dragged on for months. Turkey also keeping tabs on Salah Al Ittihad are not the only side being linked with Salah, and Turkey has re-emerged as a talking point in recent days. Trabzonspor were reported to have moved ahead of Besiktas in the race, with some Turkish outlets claiming the two sides were closing in on personal terms for a two-year deal. However, Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan shut that down directly, stating, “there is no such agreement,” and adding that no talks had even been scheduled. Besiktas, for their part, had already tabled an offer worth roughly €10 million net per season plus €2 million in bonuses on a 1+1-year deal, but that proposal has reportedly been shelved as talks with Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia continue to advance.
While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature when Al-Nassr faces Estrela Amadora in Portugal, with the Saudi champion continuing its preseason preparations under Ange Postecoglou. While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. The absence has generated plenty of discussion because Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to appear in any of Al-Nassr’s preseason fixtures, even as several of his teammates have already returned from international duty. Instead, the club has chosen to move forward with its Portugal training camp while waiting for its captain to rejoin the squad at a later date. So far, Al-Nassr has experienced mixed preseason results. The Saudi Pro League winner lost 2-1 to Benfica B before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Spanish side Merida, with further matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria still scheduled. However, for Estrela Amadora, the match carries significance beyond being another preseason fixture. The Portuguese club is using the game as its official presentation for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing fans to see the squad before the Primeira Liga season begins. The match also launches the inaugural Trofeu Cidade da Amadora, making it an important event for the home club. Troféu 𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐀 🆚 AL Nassr pic.twitter.com/uIuacsjcMr— CF Estrela da Amadora (@estrelamadora) August 1, 2026 Estrela itself has an interesting modern history. After the original club entered bankruptcy in 2011, it was re-established in 2020 through a merger, allowing soccer in Amadora to continue at the professional level. The reason why Ronaldo is missing The Portuguese forward is still enjoying his scheduled break following the 2026 World Cup and is not expected to return until after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Lisbon. According to multiple reports, including Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari, the 41-year-old will not join the squad in Portugal and is instead expected to report once the team returns to Riyadh. Al-Nassr’s overseas camp concludes on August 5, after which the players will receive a short break before final preparations begin for the new Saudi Pro League season. That schedule means Ronaldo is likely to have around one week of full training before the team opens its league title defense against Al-Fateh on August 15. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Ronaldo’s delayed return opens door for Felix Away from soccer, Ronaldo has spent the past several weeks relaxing with his family after the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently shared vacation photos from Mallorca alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., with one Instagram caption simply reading: “Not yet.” View this post on Instagram The family holiday came after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain, a tournament that marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Following such an emotional conclusion, both the player and the club appear comfortable allowing additional recovery time before he returns to club duties. With Ronaldo unavailable, his compatriot Joao Felix becomes one of the main attractions for the Knight of Najd. The Portugal international has already spent valuable time adapting to Postecoglou’s tactical ideas and is expected to play a major creative role during the friendly.
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