RIYADH: Al-Nassr are in negotiations with Juventus to sign veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, The Athletic reported on Monday.
The Poland international has reached an agreement in principle with the Riyadh club but a deal is yet to be finalized. It would be worth about $20.4 million a year for the next two seasons, the publication reported.
Szczesny has another year on his contract with Juventus, which finished third in Italy’s Serie A this year.
Szczesny has made 252 first-team appearances for the Italian giants, including 35 this season, and has won eight titles with the side.
If all goes well the 34-year-old will sign this week, according to the report, ahead of Poland’s participation in Euro 2024, which starts on Friday in Germany.
Reports indicate that the Turin club are likely to offer backup keeper Mattia Perin a new contract and are preparing to sign Monza’s Michele Di Gregorio as their new No. 1, paving the way for Szczesny’s departure.
Al-Nassr finished eight points and second behind bitter rivals Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
The Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr lost to Al-Hilal in the Super Cup and King’s Cup in the current campaign, as well as the Riyadh Season Cup, a prestigious club friendly.
In March, Al-Nassr were dumped out of the Champions League by the UAE’s Al-Ain, which would later go on to win the championship, defeating Al-Hilal in the semifinals and Yokohama F. Marinos in the final.
Despite the setbacks, Ronaldo was happy with his achievements this year, having set the all-time SPL scoring record with 35 goals.
“It means a lot. I feel very happy. It’s probably one of the best seasons I’ve ever had in my career in terms of goals but assists too,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner last week.
