Al Nassr enter the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League season as reigning champions, but the mood around the club is far from settled. The most pressing concern is Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from the opening two fixtures, with Saudi reports confirming he will miss the start of the season due to his wedding celebrations. That means new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who replaced the title-winning Jorge Jesus this summer, must begin his tenure without his most important attacking player. It is a significant setback for a manager still building his identity at the club.

Postecoglou's arrival itself signals a period of transition. Jesus was widely credited as the key figure behind last season's title triumph, and replacing him with an untested appointment in this environment carries real risk. Pre-season preparations, including a training camp in Portugal, have been complicated by Ronaldo's continued absence from sessions.

Off the pitch, reports of a debt burden reaching 800 million Saudi riyals have circulated, though the club moved to ease some concern by completing the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samo Costa. A separate dispute involving goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi has dragged through the window, with his proposed move to Al Fateh stalling and alternative destinations now being explored.

Despite the turbulence, Al Nassr sit on solid competitive ground. They finished last season two points clear of Al Hilal, and they open the new campaign at home to Al Fateh on August 15. How quickly Postecoglou can impose his ideas, and when Ronaldo returns to full fitness, will shape the early weeks of their title defence.