Al Nassr begin the new Saudi Pro League season carrying genuine momentum and the weight of expectation that comes with being reigning champions. The structured data confirms they finished last season top of the table with 86 points, two ahead of Al Hilal, and Ange Postecoglou now leads the club into the title defence after Jorge Jesus handed over the reins.

The transfer window has dominated the build-up, and not all of it has been straightforward. The signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa from Real Mallorca reportedly exhausted a significant portion of the club's summer budget, prompting the Saudi Pro League to hold a press conference clarifying the financial regulations that allowed the deal to proceed. Reports also indicate the club plans to reclassify defenders Pinto and Inigo Martinez to the Asian squad list, a move that would free up foreign player slots for further additions. Al Nassr are also tracking AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, with uncertainty over Saudi international Nawaf Al-Aqidi's future, amid reported interest from Al Shabab, driving the search for a new shot-stopper. Goalkeeper Raghad Al-Najjar has agreed a contract renewal in the meantime.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who officially married Georgina Rodriguez this week, has had his return date to Riyadh confirmed ahead of pre-season preparations. His presence remains central to everything Al Nassr do on the pitch. The club also launched their new Adidas away kit for 2026-27, underlining the commercial profile the squad continues to build.

The opening fixture of the new league campaign is at home to Al Fateh on August 15, giving Postecoglou's side an early chance to set the tone as they look to retain their title.