Following in Karim Benzema's footsteps! Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez in talks over Saudi Arabia move as Los Blancos deal runs down

As his contract with Los Blancos is set to expire on June 30, 34-year-old Nacho is expected to move on as a free agent. According to L'Equipe, he is in advanced negotiations with Al-Qadsiah, who were recently promoted to the first division of the Saudi Arabian Pro League.

Earlier this month, reports suggested that Nacho was on the brink of signing with Al-Ittihad, to reunite with former teammate Benzema. However, the negotiations faced unexpected delays due to bureaucratic issues, leaving the transfer in limbo. This delay provided an opening for Al-Qadsiah to enter the fray and present a compelling offer to the veteran defender. Equipped with a substantial budget, the club is targeting experienced players who can provide both leadership and skill on the pitch. And Nacho, with his wealth of experience and recent success in La Liga and the Champions League, fits the profile perfectly.

Nacho’s departure is expected to pave the way for Real Madrid to pursue other defensive targets. One such target is Leny Yoro of Lille, who is believed to have reached an agreement with the European champions.

While it remains to be seen whether Nacho will finalize his move to Al-Qadsiah or consider waiting for Al-Ittihad, all indications point towards his exit from Real Madrid. This move aligns with the trend of seasoned European players transferring to Saudi Arabian clubs, drawn by both financial incentives and the opportunity to contribute to the development of football in the region.