The Croatian midfielder has been weighing his options since leaving Al-Nassr, and his next move could create an unexpected reunion with Ronaldo on the continental stage. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon find himself facing a familiar face in the AFC Champions League, with former Al-Nassr teammate Marcelo Brozovic closing in on a surprise next chapter in the Gulf. The Croatian midfielder has been weighing his options since leaving Al-Nassr, and his next move could create an unexpected reunion with Ronaldo on the continental stage. Brozovic’s future has been the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks, with potential destinations in Europe also discussed. However, the latest developments suggest that the 33-year-old is preparing to remain in the region, although his next club is outside the Saudi Pro League. According to Win Win journalist Ismael Mahmoud and journalist Ahmed Ragab, negotiations over the Croatian’s next transfer have reached their final stages. The midfielder is reportedly close to completing a move after becoming a free agent following the end of his Al-Nassr contract. Brozovic remains in Riyadh for the time being and is expected to travel next weekend to undergo his medical examination. The final details are reportedly being completed before contracts are signed, meaning the transfer could soon become official. Marcelo Brozovic of Al-Nassr FC during line up prior to the Saudi Pro League match. The situation represents a change from earlier speculation surrounding his future. Brozovic’s agent, Marina Mikulic, recently admitted that the midfielder was still considering his options. “Brozović is currently in Riyadh. We still don’t know what his next destination will be. We are waiting for offers, and we have not been in contact with Al Ittihad or Al Ahli.” Where will Brozovic reportedly continue his career? The mystery surrounding Brozovic’s next club has now largely been solved, with Qatari powerhouse Al Sadd reportedly agreeing a one-season contract with the Croatian, including an option for another year. The proposed deal is structured as a 1+1 contract, allowing Brozovic to remain with Al Sadd beyond the initial campaign if both sides decide to extend the agreement. The move would also keep the experienced midfielder in the Gulf after three seasons in Saudi Arabia. For Brozovic, it is a significant decision because a Saudi stay and a return to Europe had remained a possibility. Italian clubs, including Fiorentina and Lazio, were reportedly linked with the former Inter star, but those options ultimately failed to materialize. When could Ronaldo face his former teammate again? The most intriguing aspect of the move for Al-Nassr supporters is what it could mean for Ronaldo. Al-Nassr is scheduled to face Al Sadd at Al-Awwal Park in the AFC Champions League Elite on November 24, potentially putting the Portuguese superstar against his former midfield partner. Brozovic and Ronaldo spent three seasons together in Riyadh after the Croatian arrived from Inter in 2023. Their partnership became an important part of Al-Nassr’s midfield, with Brozovic providing control and defensive balance behind the club’s attacking stars. If the transfer is completed before their continental meeting, Ronaldo and Brozovic could find themselves on opposite sides of the pitch only months after sharing the same dressing room. It would add an extra layer of intrigue to an already important AFC Champions League fixture.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be without Kingsley Coman and two other teammates for Al Nassr's clash with Al Khaleej, as the club manages its squad ahead of the AFC Champions League Elite opener. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be without one of his key attacking options once again, as Kingsley Coman will not travel with the Al Nassr squad for Saturday’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al Khaleej. According to The Nassr Tribune, Coman continues his recovery from the hamstring injury he picked up during Al Nassr‘s match against Al Ittihad, when he was forced off in the 60th minute. An MRI scan confirmed the issue as a mild hamstring tear, with the Frenchman advised to take at least a week of rest before being reassessed. Coman won’t be the only absentee for the trip, as Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Ayman Yahya will also stay behind and miss out on the match, further thinning Ronaldo’s supporting cast for the fixture. The good news for Al Nassr is that Coman’s absence is expected to be short-lived, with the club’s medical staff targeting his return in time for the AFC Champions League Elite opener against Al Ain on September 15, a continental debut Ronaldo will be eager to have his full squad available for. Dammam 📍 pic.twitter.com/LlbLJaMnGU— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) September 11, 2026 Logistics are also being managed with that fixture in mind: rather than flying back to Riyadh after facing Al Khaleej in Dammam, the squad will travel directly to the UAE, a decision made by Ange Postecoglou to cut down on fatigue and give his players extra recovery time before kickoff against Al Ain. Postecoglou could rotate his squad against Al Khaleej With Al Nassr eager to start their AFC Champions League Elite campaign on the right foot against Al Ain just three days later, Postecoglou is reportedly expected to manage his squad’s workload against Al Khaleej, limiting minutes for some of his key players, Ronaldo included, to ensure the team arrives at peak fitness for the continental opener. Al Nassr came agonizingly close to continental glory last season, falling 1-0 to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final back in May. With Ronaldo and company now moving up to the more prestigious AFC Champions League Elite, the club is determined to put together a strong campaign in Asia’s top club competition after last season’s heartbreak.
With coach Ange Postecoglou changing the system in the latestl 2-1 win over Abha, Cristiano Ronaldo could see a shift in his Al Nassr attacking partnership. Cristiano Ronaldo once again spearheaded Al Nassr‘s attack to secure a 2-1 victory over Abha in Saudi Pro League action. Following the positive result, which featured head coach Ange Postecoglou pivoting to a new tactical system, the Portuguese striker could now see a fresh pairing in the frontline moving forward. Facing Abha on Wednesday, Al Nassr were short-handed in attacking options due to Kingsley Coman’s hamstring injury and Joao Felix’s suspension for accumulating four yellow cards. Forced to adapt his lineup, Postecoglou shifted from his traditional 4-4-1-1 formation to a 4-4-2 setup. Brazilian midfielder Angelo shifted from a central pivot to the right wing, while Abdullah Al-Hamdan joined Cristiano Ronaldo in a two-man strike partnership up front. The tactical adjustment yielded immediate dividends, as Angelo set up Ronaldo’s opening header from a corner kick before Al-Hamdan doubled the lead by capitalizing on a second-half opportunity inside the box. Following the match, Postecoglou addressed the tactical shift, praising the output of his central partnership: “Every match is different, and our squad is limited, so it’s natural for us to change the system. I think Al-Hamdan and Cristiano had a good game today, and it was a good choice for us.“ Among our faithful, on our home ground 💛One team, standing together to bring them joyThe behind-the-scenes of #NassrAbha is here 📹Enjoy the show 🎧 pic.twitter.com/f7RXCj7fum— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) September 10, 2026 Postecoglou previously deployed the 4-4-2 shape during a 4-0 road victory over Al Riyadh on August 21. In that fixture, Joao Felix and Al-Hamdan initiated the attack before the Saudi Arabian forward was substituted in the second half for Ronaldo’s season debut. New options for Postecoglou up front While Kingsley Coman remains sidelined, Joao Felix will return from his one-match suspension, and with his status as SPL Player of the Season honors last year, making his return to the starting XI expected. However, Wednesday’s performance presents Postecoglou with alternative tactical setups ahead of their upcoming clash against Al Khaleej. Against Abha, Cristiano Ronaldo registered nine touches inside the penalty area, while Al-Hamdan added eight, underlining Al Nassr’s territorial dominance inside the opponent’s box while liberating midfield runners. Facing an Al Khaleej defense anchored by tall center-backs Kiki Kouyate (6-foot-4) and Mohammed Al-Khabrani (6-foot-1), Postecoglou could favor a similar physical presence up front while shifting Joao Felix to a wide position.
Kendry Paez has been linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent months. There were rumours that the 19-year-old could leave the club on loan during the summer transfer window, but a move has not materialised. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder will now train with the under-21s until January, as per TEAMtalk. Kendry Paez faces […] The post Xabi Alonso makes surprise decision on Chelsea attacker who “is not part of the plans” appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Cristiano Ronaldo's dream to claim the 2026 World Cup with Portugal has begun, currently at the Round of 32. Cristiano Ronaldo, even at 41 years old, remains a central figure for both his club, Al Nassr, and the Portugal national team. Still drawing global attention, the key question now is when the legendary striker will take the field again. Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Al Nassr is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, when they visit Al Khaleej for Matchday 7 in the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League at Ego Stadium. The Portuguese star heads to the game after scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 win against Abha. The icon’s 2026-27 international campaign with Portugal following the 2026 World Cup is set to begin on Thursday, September 24, when they host Wales for Matchday 1 of the of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League. The forward’s last World Cup game came on July 6th, where Spain beat the Selecao in the Round of 16 with a narrow 1-0 win. In the 2026-27 season, which he has stated could be his last one as professional soccer player, the Portuguese icon scored 3 goals and provided 0 assists in 5 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers and 3 in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal, with his personal account in 979 career goals. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates scoring a goal. Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule. From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final. With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.
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