Al Nassr begin the new Saudi Pro League season carrying the weight of champions, yet the mood around the club is far from settled. Financial difficulties have dominated the pre-season conversation, with reports circulating of debts reaching 800 million Saudi riyals and some staff and players going unpaid. A breakthrough appeared to arrive in early August when sources close to the club indicated that the financial freeze on transfers had been lifted, allowing the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samo Costa to proceed. That partial relief, though, has done little to quiet broader concerns about the club's off-pitch stability.

The goalkeeper situation adds another layer of tension. Nawaf Al-Aqidi has informed the board of his desire to leave, with contract renewal talks having broken down. Reports suggest a local replacement is being sought, though questions remain over whether such a deal would comply with professional league regulations.

Perhaps the most pressing question heading into the season opener against Al Fateh on August 15 is the condition of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese star has yet to return to training, preparing instead for his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez after Portugal's World Cup exit to Spain. With just days until the first competitive match, new head coach Ange Postecoglou is working to embed his attacking philosophy without his most important player. Postecoglou replaced Jorge Jesus, who guided the club to the title last season, and the early signs of this transition have drawn cautious scrutiny from supporters. Al Nassr sit top of last season's final standings on 86 points, two ahead of Al Hilal, and defending that position while resolving these structural issues will define the months ahead.