Pinto's departure from Al-Nassr to Genoa: Details of the deal after the loss to Al-Qadisiyah
In a series of rapid developments within Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr club, press reports have revealed that the club's management is leaning towards approving the loan of Brazilian goalkeeper Pinto to Italian club Genoa, in a deal that would extend until the end of the current season. The potential deal includes an option for the Italian club to purchase Pinto next summer for approximately €5 million, marking the first administrative and technical response following the team's recent defeat.
Reasons for the technical decision and the player's desire
This decision stems from the team's coaching staff's assessment that the Brazilian goalkeeper is no longer in the starting lineup, especially given the outstanding performances of local goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, who has proven his worth in defending Al-Nassr's goal. This technical assessment aligns with the personal desire of goalkeeper Pinto, who seeks regular and consistent playing time to boost his chances of representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. Playing in the Italian Serie A (Calcio) is seen as an ideal opportunity for him to remain in the sights of the Seleção's coach.
Financial and strategic dimensions of the deal
The motivations behind this move extend beyond purely technical considerations, encompassing financial and strategic aspects crucial to the team's future. Al-Nassr's management aims to alleviate the substantial financial burden of Pinto's €6 million annual salary by loaning him out, while also recouping a portion of his €25 million transfer fee. More importantly, the club seeks to free up a foreign player slot on the roster, allowing them to acquire a world-class attacking or midfield player to bolster other positions that urgently require strengthening to compete for domestic and continental titles.
The context of the competition and the impact of Al-Qadisiyah's loss
These swift moves came after Al-Nassr's surprising 1-2 defeat to Al-Qadisiyah at Al-Awwal Park in the 14th round of the Saudi Professional League. This loss was more than just a temporary setback; it cast a shadow over the title race, widening the gap with their arch-rivals and league leaders, Al-Hilal, to four points. These developments are of paramount importance given their timing, just before the highly anticipated and crucial Riyadh derby against Al-Hilal next Monday, placing the team under immense pressure to get back on track and return to winning ways.
It is worth noting that Brazilian goalkeeper Pinto has a contract with Al-Nasr that extends until 2028, after officially joining in July 2024. However, the dynamics of the transfer market and the team's technical requirements may hasten his departure from Saudi stadiums faster than expected.
