Al Nassr are carrying genuine title ambitions into the new Saudi Pro League season, but financial oversight restrictions are casting a shadow over the defending champions. The club currently sits second with 12 points from four games, three points behind Al Hilal, who have played one more match. A 2-1 home win over Al-Taawoun on August 28 kept the pressure on their rivals and underlined the quality Ange Postecoglou has at his disposal, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman all part of an attacking lineup that carries real firepower.

The bigger concern off the pitch is the financial monitoring the club is operating under. Reports indicate the restrictions have limited Al Nassr's ability to move in the transfer market and, until recently, threatened their capacity to renew contracts even for youth-team players. The Saudi Pro League confirmed it has granted the club permission to renew contracts for its age-group squads, including the under-21 side, which provides some relief. The core squad picture, though, remains constrained.

On the continental front, Al Nassr are preparing for their AFC Champions League Elite campaign, which begins with a trip to face Al Ain on September 15. The club reached last season's AFC Champions League 2 final before losing to Gamba Osaka, and this year they step up to the elite tier with ambitions of going further.

First, Saturday's Saudi Pro League derby at Al Ittihad demands full focus. A win would put real pressure on Al Hilal and signal that Al Nassr mean business in their title defence.