Al Nassr have begun preparations for the 2026/27 season under a cloud of financial uncertainty despite winning the Saudi Pro League title just two months ago.
The Riyadh giants, who secured the league crown in May, are reportedly dealing with budget constraints, delayed wage payments and a slower-than-expected transfer window, while also facing the challenge of replacing influential midfielder Marcelo Brozović.
According to Saudi media reports, some first-team players are yet to receive their full salaries for June, although the club has not officially confirmed the claims. As of July 14, Al Nassr had also not released a financial statement explaining its budget situation or commented publicly on the reported payment delays.
The lack of official confirmation means the reports remain unverified, making it difficult to determine whether the issue is a temporary cash-flow problem or a more significant financial challenge.
The uncertainty comes as a surprise for a club that finished the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season as champions with 86 points, edging rivals Al Hilal by two points. Al Nassr sealed the title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice to lift his first league trophy since joining the club.
Transfer Plans Slowed
Rather than strengthening from a position of dominance, Al Nassr are reportedly taking a cautious approach to the transfer market.
Reports from Goal Arabia suggest the club is working with a limited transfer budget this summer after already feeling the effects of tighter financial conditions during the previous campaign. Saudi outlet Al Weeam also reported that the club is waiting for final approval of its budget before committing to major signings.
Although these reports do not confirm wage delays, they indicate that Al Nassr have less financial flexibility than many expected from the reigning champions.
Additional financial commitments may also be restricting spending. Reports citing Al Riyadiah claim the club still has around €25 million in outstanding transfer payments owed to Chelsea and Bayern Munich following the arrivals of João Félix and Kingsley Coman.
Meanwhile, external estimates from Capology place Al Nassr’s annual fixed wage bill at more than €360 million before bonuses, highlighting the scale of the club’s financial commitments. The figures, however, are estimates rather than official accounting records.
Brozović Leaves Major Midfield Void
Unlike the financial reports, Marcelo Brozović’s departure has been officially completed.
The Croatian midfielder left Al Nassr at the start of July after the expiration of his three-year contract, bringing an end to a successful spell in Riyadh.
Since arriving from Inter Milan in 2023, Brozović established himself as one of the team’s most influential players. According to Goal, he made 124 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing 23 assists while controlling the tempo of matches and shielding the defence.
Replacing the experienced midfielder has become one of Al Nassr’s biggest priorities.
The club is searching for a player capable of dictating possession, resisting pressure and providing balance in midfield a profile that is both rare and expensive in today’s transfer market.
Barcelona youngster Marc Casadó has been linked with the club, but no agreement has been reached. Saudi reports suggest the search has slowed until the club’s financial position becomes clearer, even though signing Brozović’s successor remains a priority.
The situation highlights the contrast between Al Nassr’s sporting ambitions and financial reality. While the coaching staff may have identified key transfer targets, completing major deals requires certainty over transfer fees, wages, signing bonuses and agent commissions.
Every delay reduces the time new arrivals have to adapt before the season begins.
As Cristiano Ronaldo prepares to lead the champions into their title defence, Al Nassr must first resolve questions surrounding their finances before fully focusing on retaining their domestic crown and competing on the continental stage.
