Al Nassr begin the 2026-27 season carrying the weight of expectation that comes with being Saudi Pro League champions, having ended an eight-year title drought last season under Jorge Jesus before new head coach Ange Postecoglou took charge this summer. The most pressing concern heading into the new campaign is the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who will miss the club's first two league matches after his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. Reports confirmed his return to Riyadh is imminent, but the timing leaves Postecoglou short of his most influential player for the opening fixtures, including Saturday's home game against Al Fateh at Al-Awwal Park.

Behind the scenes, the transfer window has been complicated by financial pressures. Reports placed the club's debts at around 800 million Saudi riyals, yet the Saudi Pro League clarified the regulations that allowed Al Nassr to complete the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa from Real Mallorca. The club is also planning further moves, with reports indicating Iñigo Martínez and Pinto could be registered under the Asian player quota to free up foreign slots for additional signings. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan of AC Milan has been identified as a target, driven by uncertainty over Nawaf Al-Aqidi's future, with Al Shabab reportedly pursuing the Saudi international and contract renewal talks proving complicated.

With Al Hilal just two points behind in the final standings last season, the margin for error in the title defence is slim. The new season has started without their captain, and the squad-building picture remains unfinished.