Real Madrid Captain to Join Saudi Pro League

Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez is set to join the Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah, according to reports. This transfer, featuring the key phrase “Saudi Pro League,” is anticipated to be finalized soon.

The Spain international, part of the Euro 2024 squad, faces the expiration of his contract at the month’s end. After boosting his trophy count with Los Blancos to 26, including La Liga and Champions League wins last season, Nacho decided to explore new opportunities.

Initially, Nacho held advanced talks with Al Ittihad, a club boasting stars like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. However, ESPN reports that he has now accepted Al Qadsiah’s offer. Al Qadsiah, newly promoted to the Saudi Pro League, includes notable players such as Belgium goalkeeper Koen Casteels and former Atletico Madrid striker Luciano Vietto.

Nacho will sign a two-year contract with Al Qadsiah, earning €10m per season. He considered leaving Madrid in 2023 but chose to remain for another campaign. Nacho made 364 appearances for Madrid since his debut in 2011, enjoying a standout season in 2023/24 due to injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba.

In the 2023/24 season, Nacho played 45 games, the most in any season of his career. He captained Real Madrid to a Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund, matching Luka Modric’s joint-club record of 26 trophies.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti hopes to have Alaba and Militao injury-free for next season’s title defense. Defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has also shown his versatility by excelling as a center-back, providing additional options for the team.