Al Nassr are carrying significant off-pitch weight into the new season, and how they manage it will define their title defence before a ball is kicked in anger. Reports of debts reaching 800 million Saudi riyals circulated widely in recent weeks, with claims that some staff and players went unpaid. The club has since indicated that a financial block on transfers has been lifted, allowing the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa to proceed, but the uncertainty has unsettled the camp at a critical moment in pre-season.

Compounding those pressures, Cristiano Ronaldo remains absent from training with the season opener against Al Fateh on August 15 just days away. Portugal's exit from the World Cup at the last-16 stage triggered his summer break, and reports suggest he is preparing for his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. No return date has been confirmed, raising genuine questions about his physical readiness under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who replaced Jorge Jesus after the title win last season.

The goalkeeper situation adds another layer of friction. Nawaf Al-Aqidi has informed the board of his desire to leave, rejecting a contract renewal offer, and his agent's presence in Lisbon in recent days pointed toward an imminent departure. Reports suggest a domestic replacement is being lined up, though questions remain about whether that deal complies with professional league regulations.

Postecoglou arrives with an attacking philosophy to implement and a squad still taking shape. The season opener at Al-Awwal Park against Al Fateh will test how much of his groundwork has landed.