Amid Al Nassr Search for First Signing, Rival Club Secures $19.5 Million Worth Former UEFA Euro Winner – Reports

Al Nassr is bracing themselves for a major shakeup. After concluding the current season on a disappointing note, the Knights of the Najd are looking to hit the restart button and make changes within its rank. While Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. are pondering making its first signing, their arch-rivals Al Shabab are already one step ahead of them, who have reportedly close to securing a $19.5 million star, Rafa Silva.

The Portuguese striker, who won the 2016 UEFA Euro as well as the 2019 UEFA Nations League with Cristiano Ronaldo, is close to joining the Roshn Saudi League side. Silva’s contract with Benfica is set to expire in the coming month. This led Al Shabab to jump at the opportunity to grab the 31-year-old superstar for free. Notably, as reported by @X99i3 on X, the Riyadh-based club will offer Silva a contract for over 3 years. 

He will be leaving Benfica after 8 years, having arrived from SC Braga in 2016. Prior to this, he rose through the academic ranks of Feirense, Alverca, and Povoense before spending three years at Braga to make over 127 appearances and win the Portuguese Cup. At Benfica, Silva notched over 94 goals and 79 assists in 326 games. This season alone he made 52 appearances across all competitions, firing 22 goals and 15 assists as well. 

The striker’s resume further impresses after knowing he lifted 6 trophies with the Eagles, including 3 Liga Portugal, 1 Portuguese Cup, and 2 Super Cups. There’s no doubt that Silva will be a good addition to Al Shabab, where he will be joining the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Yannick Carrasco. Not to mention he will be facing his compatriot Ronaldo next season. Speaking of which, what is Al Nassr planning for next season?

Here’s everything to know what Al Nassr plans for the new season

Al Nassr will look to make significant changes this summer. Despite having the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Otavio, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles, they may finish their season trophyless, with the King Cup of Champions being the only hope. Therefore, some big names have been taken at the club’s headquarters. Among them are Bruno Fernandes, Sergio Ramos, and Casemiro. But there is a catch!

Even though Al Nassr would appreciate the squad size being increased, they might be forced to part ways with a few of their players. Sadio Mane was earlier linked with an exit to join two European clubs. The former Liverpool man might be joined by Aymeric Laporte, who himself expressed his desire to leave. To sum up, Al Nassr is still at a crossroads for making its first signing. 

If they wish to achieve something next season, then they will certainly be required to speed up. Otherwise, their domestic rivals like Al Shabab would get ahead of them in no time.