Al Nassr begin the new Saudi Pro League season carrying the weight of champions but also a set of serious concerns that threaten to undermine their title defence from the start. The most pressing issue is Cristiano Ronaldo's continued absence from pre-season training. With the new campaign kicking off on August 15 against Al Fateh at Al-Awwal Park, reports indicate the Portuguese star has yet to rejoin the squad, having taken an extended break after Portugal's World Cup exit to Spain and preparing for his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. Whether he arrives fit and sharp enough to lead the attack from matchday one remains an open question.

Complicating matters further, the club has been dealing with a reported financial crisis. Claims of debts reaching 800 million Saudi riyals, alongside delayed wages for staff and some players, circulated widely in recent weeks. More recent reports suggest some relief, with sources indicating a financial freeze on transfers has been lifted and at least one new deal approved. That offers a degree of reassurance, but the situation has already disrupted pre-season planning under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who replaced Jorge Jesus after the title-winning campaign of 2025/26.

The goalkeeper situation adds another layer of instability. Nawaf Al-Aqidi has informed the club of his desire to leave, with contract renewal talks having broken down, and his agent was reportedly in Lisbon to finalise a departure. Reports suggest Al Nassr are working to secure a local replacement, though questions remain about whether a deal would comply with professional league regulations. Postecoglou must now prepare for the new season with squad uncertainty across key positions, despite Al Nassr sitting at the top of the table with 86 points after 34 games last term, two ahead of Al Hilal.