Transfer Centre

Real Madrid transfer news: Club stalwart 'agrees' deal to join Saudi Pro League

By Ben Sully | 22 June 2024

Club stalwart 'set' to leave Real Madrid this summer

Veteran Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez is set to leave the Spanish giants after reportedly agreeing a deal to complete a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez has reportedly reached an agreement to sign for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah.

Nacho has spent his entire career with Real Madrid after joining the club's youth system at the age of 11.

The 34-year-old has ultimately gone on to enjoy significant success at the Santiago Bernabeu, collecting 25 winners' medals in a trophy-laden career.

Nacho was recently one of four Real Madrid players to celebrate their sixth Champions League triumph to equal Paco Gento's record for the most European Cups won by a single player.

Despite being a regular fixture through the 2023-24 campaign, there has always been a cloud hanging over Nacho's long-term future due to his contract situation.

Real Madrid defender Nacho on October 3, 2023 © Reuters

Nacho agrees Saudi Arabia move

With his contract set to expire at the end of June, the centre-back has been given some time to decide whether to continue with Real Madrid or seek a fresh challenge in the latter stages of his career.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was seemingly keen for Nacho to stay put, but it appears that the Italian will be left disappointed.

According to Marca, Nacho will end his 23-year association with Los Blancos after agreeing a deal to sign for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah.

The centre-back will sign a two-year deal worth nearly €10m (£8.5m) when his Real Madrid contract officially expires at the end of June.

Al-Qadsiah are managed by former Real Madrid player Michel, and they will compete in the Saudi Pro League next season after winning promotion last term.

Real Madrid's Joselu celebrates scoring their first goal with Vinicius Junior, Nacho, Fran Garcia and Lucas Vazquez on February 18, 2024 © Reuters

Who will replace Nacho?

With Nacho set to leave, Los Blancos will need to strengthen their central defensive options, especially as Rafa Marin appears to be nearing a move to Napoli.

Lille youngster Leny Yoro appears to be at the top of Real Madrid's wishlist, but they face a battle to secure his signature ahead of several other European heavyweights.

French champions Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly in a strong position to sign the 18-year-old, while there is also thought to be interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

However, Real Madrid are preparing to step up their pursuit of Yoro now that they know Nacho will leave the club this summer.

Ancelotti can still upon some top-quality centre-backs in the form of Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, although the latter is completing his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.