Al Nassr begin their Saudi Pro League title defence under considerable pressure, with off-pitch turbulence threatening to overshadow what should be a confident start for the reigning champions. Reports of debts reaching approximately 800 million Saudi riyals dominated the club's summer, restricting transfer activity to a single foreign signing, Portuguese midfielder Samo Costa. Fans have expressed frustration at the lack of reinforcements, and signs of a resolution to the financial crisis only emerged in recent days, leaving the squad light heading into the new campaign.

The squad situation adds further complications. Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi is unsettled, with reports suggesting he wants to leave rather than accept a bench role. On the administrative side, the club is planning structural changes, replacing foreign staff with local leadership as the new season begins. These are not the conditions a defending champion would choose entering a fresh campaign.

On the pitch, Al Nassr finished last season strongly, topping the final standings on 86 points, two clear of Al Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo remains at the club and central to their attacking plans under head coach Ange Postecoglou. The new season opens at home to Al Fateh at Al-Awwal Park on August 15, a fixture Al Nassr will be expected to win. How the club manages its financial recovery and squad depth across a long season will define whether this title defence becomes a genuine campaign or a damage-limitation exercise.