Raghed Al-Najjar ignites the transfer market: a battle between Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli
The competition in the Saudi Arabian winter transfer market has intensified, with Saudi national team and Al-Nassr goalkeeper Raghed Al-Najjar the focus of attention for top clubs in the Saudi Professional League. This increased interest comes after the goalkeeper officially entered the free agency period of his contract, with less than six months remaining with his current club, thus granting him the right to negotiate and sign with any other club without Al-Nassr's approval.
Informed sources revealed that Al-Najjar and his agent are currently considering three serious professional offers. Leading these is the renewal offer from Al-Nassr , described as the strongest financially and technically so far, reflecting the club's desire to maintain stability in its goalkeeping position. Meanwhile, Jeddah's two giants, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli , have also entered the negotiations strongly, each seeking to acquire the goalkeeper to bolster their squads with top-tier local options in preparation for upcoming domestic and continental competitions.
The signing of Raghed Al-Najjar takes on particular significance in the current context of Saudi football. With the substantial support enjoyed by clubs backed by the Public Investment Fund, acquiring high-quality local players (Category A) has become a top priority for major clubs. This is to ensure a strong bench that matches the quality of foreign players and to meet the requirements for local squads in various competitions. Al-Najjar possesses formidable physical attributes and years of accumulated experience, making him a strategic choice for any team aspiring to compete for titles.
Returning to the goalkeeper's background, Raghed Al-Najjar is no stranger to the competitive atmosphere in Jeddah, having begun his football career and developed within the youth ranks of Al-Ahli , before embarking on a diverse professional journey that has greatly enriched his experience. Al-Najjar has played for several prominent clubs, including Al-Shabab, Al-Faisaly, Al-Wehda, and Al-Taawoun, before joining his current club, Al-Nassr. This rich history has provided him with a wealth of experience in handling the pressures of high-stakes matches.
On the international stage, Al-Najjar's inclusion in the Saudi national team squad under French coach Hervé Renard a testament to the high level of confidence in his technical abilities. Being selected for the national team requires specific qualities and consistent readiness, which Al-Najjar has successfully demonstrated in recent times, thus increasing his value in the current transfer market.
The international goalkeeper is expected to decide his fate in the next few days, as the financial factor, in addition to guarantees of basic participation and the club’s sporting project, will play a decisive role in his next destination, whether by staying in the capital, Riyadh, with Al-Nasr, or returning to the city of Jeddah through Al-Ittihad or his home club, Al-Ahli.
