Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad Close in on Landmark Four-Player Exchange Deal

The landscape of the Saudi Pro League is bracing for one of its most complex domestic transfers to date as Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad engage in advanced negotiations over a four-player exchange deal. According to prominent Saudi sports journalists Khalid Al-Rasheed and Saad Al-Subaie, the transaction is designed to satisfy the immediate tactical needs of both giants while addressing the liquidity challenges currently facing the reigning champions, Al-Nassr. Under the proposed terms, Al-Nassr will send highly-rated goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi and talented left-back Salem Al-Najdi to Jeddah. In return, the 'Knights of Najd' are set to welcome right-back Muhannad Al-Shanqeeti and midfielder Hamed Al-Ghamdi to their ranks, supplemented by an additional financial payment from Al-Ittihad. For Al-Nassr, the move represents a pragmatic approach to squad building following the confirmed departure of Croatian maestro Marcelo Brozovic, who leaves a significant void in the engine room after three seasons at Al-Awwal Park. The acquisition of Al-Ghamdi is seen as a key step in reinforcing a midfield that has become the club's primary recruitment focus. Conversely, Al-Ittihad's pursuit of Al-Aqidi underscores a desperate need for stability between the posts. The Tigers struggled last season with the inconsistent form of Predrag Rajković, whose errors contributed to a disappointing fifth-place finish. By securing Al-Aqidi, Al-Ittihad hopes to solve their long-standing goalkeeping dilemma. This high-stakes barter comes as the league enters a new phase of maturity, where clubs are increasingly utilizing creative transfer structures to optimize their domestic rosters while remaining competitive at the highest level of Asian football.

Source: Kooora