Al Nassr enter the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League season as defending champions, but the mood around the club is far from settled. The most pressing concern is Cristiano Ronaldo's absence: Saudi reports confirm he will miss the first two matches of the new campaign due to his wedding celebrations, leaving Ange Postecoglou without his most important attacking player from the outset. Ronaldo has been away since Portugal's World Cup exit against Spain, and questions about his physical readiness for the new season have circulated for weeks.

The uncertainty around Ronaldo sits alongside a broader set of challenges. Reports of a financial crisis at the club have dominated the pre-season conversation, with unverified claims suggesting debts of around 800 million Saudi riyals and delayed payments to staff and players. The club did manage to complete the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa, which offered fans some reassurance that business can still be done.

A separate squad dispute has added to the noise. Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqeedi wants to leave, and negotiations over his move to Al Fateh have stalled, leaving the situation unresolved as the season approaches. The club has been linked with a local replacement, though compliance questions around that deal remain.

Postecoglou, who replaced Jorge Jesus after the title win, takes charge of a club carrying real off-pitch weight into a season that begins at Al-Awwal Park against Al Fateh on August 15.