Al-Nassr in talks to sign Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny: Report

Wojciech Szczesny will be at Euro 2024 in Germany. (Reuters)
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Updated 14 August 2024
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Al-Nassr in talks to sign Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny: Report

  • About $20.4m a year for the next 2 seasons likely
  • Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr failed to win league this year

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.


Mancini stresses mental preparedness ahead of crucial Bahrain qualifier

Updated 14 October 2024
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Mancini stresses mental preparedness ahead of crucial Bahrain qualifier

  • National team are fully focused, says head coach

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s head coach Roberto Mancini on Monday stressed the importance of being mentally prepared as his team look to bounce back from their defeat against Japan.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference at King Abdullah Sports City, Mancini highlighted the need for psychological readiness ahead of the Green Falcons’ World Cup qualifier against Bahrain in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Mancini, who was joined by goalkeeper Ahmed Al-Kassar, acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming match, saying: “I think it’s the same thing as I said before — all games are difficult.

“Tomorrow’s game is crucial and tough. Bahrain looked physically strong against Indonesia and I hope we deliver a positive display, as we did against Japan despite the loss.”

The Italian coach stressed that his team are fully focused and mentally strong.

He added: “We are mentally prepared. We are seeking to compensate for the loss to Japan. Psychological support is very important, and we are grateful to Prince Abdulaziz Al-Faisal, minister of sports, and Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Football Federation, for their constant motivation.”

Mancini called on the fans to play their part, adding: “Their presence is very important and a great support for the team.”

Echoing his coach’s sentiments, Al-Kassar spoke of the team’s determination to make up for the disappointment of the Japan defeat.

He said: “All the players were frustrated when fans left during the Japan match, and we were not satisfied with the result.

“Everyone expects a lot from us and we must make the fans happy. We will strive to do so against Bahrain and secure a victory.”

Bahrain’s head coach Dragan Talajic, a familiar figure in Saudi football having won the 2004 AFC Champions League with Al-Ittihad, shared his excitement about returning to the city.

He said: “I am so glad to be back in Jeddah. I have great memories with Al-Ittihad that I will never forget.”

He anticipates a competitive match, and added: “The plan tomorrow is to play great football; I’m sure the Saudis are thinking the same.

“It’s going to be a good game between two great teams, and we’re looking forward to winning.”

Al-Shabab’s Musab Al-Juwair missed a training session, led by Mancini, due to pain in his thigh.

The Green Falcons sit third in Group C in the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in North America.


Saudi footballing legend Khalid Musaad honored with testimonial match

Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi footballing legend Khalid Musaad honored with testimonial match

  • Special game set to take place in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Saudi footballing legend Khalid Musaad will be honored with a testimonial match on Nov. 12, celebrating 15 years of service with Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and the Saudi Arabian national team.

The match will feature Al-Ahly of Egypt and is set to take place in Jeddah.

The Charitable Association for Athletes’ Welfare announced the event on Sunday during a press conference at King Abdullah Sports Stadium.

Nassar Al-Dhaheri, the chairman of the board of directors for the association in the Makkah region, said: “The match is a tribute to one of Saudi Arabia’s greatest football legends, Khalid Musaad, whose retirement in 2004 has long awaited this recognition.”

He acknowledged challenges had delayed the testimonial but expressed pride in organizing the event.

Al-Dhaheri also highlighted the importance of recognizing athletes who had represented their country on the international stage.

He thanked both Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia and Al-Ahly of Egypt for their cooperation in making the event possible. Proceeds from the match will go toward supporting charitable programs for athletes, reflecting the association’s commitment to its goals.

The press conference included a documentary showcasing Musaad’s illustrious career and achievements, both locally and internationally.

The Charitable Association for Athletes’ Welfare announced the event on Sunday during a press conference at King Abdullah Sports Stadium. (Supplied)

In addition to the match between Al-Ahli and Al-Ahly, there is an exhibition game featuring Saudi legends and Musaad’s friends scheduled for the same day.

Musaad expressed gratitude for the efforts that had gone into making the event happen.

He said: “The support I’ve received over the years has been incredible, and I’m deeply thankful to the fans. I’m thrilled that my retirement match will finally happen and I hope everyone enjoys the event on Nov. 12.”

His former teammate Khalid Al-Khawaji said: “I’m delighted that Musaad is receiving this well-deserved honor. He is a phenomenal person and a true professional.”

Musaad featured at Al-Ahli before moving to Al-Ittihad and finally retiring in 2004.

He earned 115 caps for the Saudi national team, participating in the World Cup in 1994 and 1998. His honors include helping to win the Asian Youth Cup in 1985 and 1986; the 1986 Gulf Cup; and playing in the Confederations Cup in 1992, 1995, and 1997.


Al-Ahli’s Ali Majrashi called up for Saudi’s clash with Bahrain on Tuesday

Updated 12 October 2024
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Al-Ahli’s Ali Majrashi called up for Saudi’s clash with Bahrain on Tuesday

  • Green Falcons resumed training on Friday evening at their camp

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s head coach Roberto Mancini has called up Al-Ahli’s defender Ali Majrashi for his side’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Bahrain on Tuesday.
After losing 2-0 to Japan in Jeddah on Thursday — their first defeat in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup — the Green Falcons resumed training on Friday evening at their camp in preparation for the Bahrain clash.
The two Gulf national teams face each other at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
It is believed that Mancini called up Majrashi as right-back Saud Abdulhamid will be unavailable due to suspension after receiving two yellow cards.
Mancini divided the players into two groups during training on Friday. The first group consisted of the players who had started the match against Japan, and they were assigned recovery exercises in the gym.
The second group included the rest of the players, who trained at the King Abdullah Sports City with warm-up exercises and passing practice. The players then went on to various tactical exercises and stretches.
The national team will continue their preparation program on Saturday with a closed training session at King Abdullah Sports City at 6 p.m.


Classy Japan put a dent in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup hopes

Updated 11 October 2024
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Classy Japan put a dent in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup hopes

  • The Japanese lead Group C in the 3rd round of the qualifiers and are the only team out of 18 with full points after 3 games
  • The Saudis are level with Australia and Bahrain on 4 points, followed by Indonesia on 3 and China on zero

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia lost 2-0 to Japan in Jeddah on Thursday, their first defeat in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Japan had scored 12 goals without reply in their opening two games in the group, and Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada gave them an early lead in this one. The home team, roared on by a passionate crowd of more than 56,000 at King Abdullah Sports City, did their best to get back on level terms but it was beyond them, and a late goal from Koki Ogawa sealed the win for the Samurai Blue.

The focus of the Green Falcons now switches to Tuesday’s clash with Bahrain at the same stadium and it could prove to be a very important one.

Japan lead Group C and are the only team out 18 in the three groups with a maximum 9 points after three games. The Saudis are level with Australia and Bahrain on 4 points, one more than fifth-place Indonesia. China are bottom of the group after three straight defeats. The top two from each of the three groups qualify directly for the World Cup, while the teams that finish third and fourth advance to a fourth round of qualification.

Already trailing Japan by 5 points, Saudi Arabia are now, as many suspected would be the case, most probably fighting for the second automatic qualification spot. It is shaping up to be an intense battle that will be far from easy for a team that has yet to score a goal from open play in more 270 minutes of third-round action. This lack of a creative spark going forward is sure to be a concern for coach Roberto Mancini.

There were few surprises in the Italian’s squad on Thursday, with Firas Al-Buraikan starting up front and Ahmed Al-Kassar stepping in to pull on the goalkeeping gloves in place of injured Mohammed Al-Owais.

Japan looked lively from the off but Mancini will surely consider the opening goal, which came after 14 minutes, to have been cheaply conceded. Ritsu Doan crossed from the right, Kaoru Mitoma knocked the ball into the middle, it was headed toward goal by Hidemasi Morita, and Kamada was able to nip in front of Abdulelah Al-Malki and stab it home from close range.

It was the first goal Japan had ever scored in the Kingdom and the threats kept coming. Soon after, Ayase Ueda shot just wide, while the Saudis just could not get going in the face of the impressive visitors.

The Green Falcons did manage a flurry of shots just before the half-hour mark but all were blocked by the men in white. Soon after, some crosses into the area caused a few problems for Japan, perhaps not surprisingly given that both Saudi goals in last month’s 2-1 win in China came from corners, as did the goal in their 1-1 draw with Indonesia five days earlier.

The home side seemed like they might finally be getting on top, and their first shot on target came just three minutes before the break. Salem Al-Dawsari ran at the defense and the ball spilled to the right, where a fierce shot from Saud Abdulhamid looked destined for the top corner but was pushed over by the suddenly under pressure Zion Suzuki.

Japan remained dangerous on the break, however, and after a smart turn outside the area Ueda’s shot was well-saved by Al-Kassar in what was the last action of the first half.

Mancini brought on Al-Itthad’s Saleh Al-Shehri for the restart, in the hope that the forward might make something happen in front of goal. But Japan remained disciplined and well-organized and it was difficult to create clear chances.

The Saudis were similarly making it hard for Japan to create openings and so it looked increasingly likely that if there was to be another goal it would come from a set piece. This proved to be the case and when Ogawa, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, headed home powerfully from a corner with nine minutes remaining, it was as good as game over.

There was no coming back from that, although Al-Shehri did have the hosts’ best chance of the game in the 89th minute when he headed just over from close range.

There is now a lot of work for Mancini and his players to do if they are going to qualify automatically for a seventh World Cup finals.


Striker Firas Al-Buraikan resumes training with Saudi national team ahead of World Cup qualifier

Updated 09 October 2024
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Striker Firas Al-Buraikan resumes training with Saudi national team ahead of World Cup qualifier

  • Green Falcons take on group leaders Japan at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Thursday in the 3rd round of the Asian qualifiers

JEDDAH: Firas Al-Buraikan took part in a training session with the Saudi national football team on Wednesday ahead of their match against Japan in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers. The Al-Ahli striker recently recovered from a muscle injury.
Thamer Al-Khaibari also trained after joining the Green Falcons at the training camp, as head coach Roberto Mancini oversaw the final preparations for Thursday’s game at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The session began with warm-up exercises, followed by passing practice and tactical training, before concluding with half-pitch mini matches followed by stretching.
Saudi Arabia are in second place in Group C of the Asian World Cup qualifiers with 4 points from two games. Japan lead the group with a maximum 6 points, Bahrain are third with 3 points, followed by Indonesia on 2 points, Australia with 1 point, and China who have yet to claim a point. The top two teams from each of the three groups will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the teams who finish third and fourth will advance to the fourth round of qualification.