The management of Al-Nassr FC has put an end to the speculation surrounding the future of international defender Abdulilah Al-Amri, responding to the official offer submitted by Al-Ittihad FC to acquire the player's services during the winter transfer window. Al-Nassr's management made a firm decision rejecting the idea of letting the player go, emphasizing their commitment to retaining all the team's key players to compete for all available titles this season.
Sources close to Al-Nassr club reported that the response sent to Al-Ittihad's management included a firm rejection of Al-Omari's departure, based on the technical report submitted by the team's coaching staff. The report emphasized the team's critical need for the international defender's services given their upcoming domestic and continental commitments, as Al-Omari is considered a key player in the back line whose absence would be difficult to compensate for mid-season.
The importance of Abdul-Ilah Al-Amri and the value of local players
This move is particularly significant given Abdulilah Al-Amri's market and technical value, not only as a player for Al-Nassr but also as a regular starter for the Saudi national team. With the Saudi Professional League's regulations limiting the number of foreign players, high-quality local players have become a rare commodity sought after by top clubs. Al-Amri is one of the most prominent Saudi defenders, possessing extensive international and domestic experience, making retaining him a top priority for Al-Nassr's management to ensure squad depth.
The context of the rivalry between Al-Nasr and Al-Ittihad
This rejection comes amidst the long-standing and historic rivalry between Saudi football giants Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad. The relationship between the two clubs in the transfer market is always characterized by sensitivity and intense competition. Al-Ittihad, currently suffering from absences and injuries in its defense, is seeking to bolster its ranks with strong, ready-made players. However, Al-Nassr is fully aware that strengthening its direct rival by selling one of its star players could negatively impact its chances of competing for the Roshan League title.
The alternatives available to the federation
Following Al-Nassr's decision to close the deal for Al-Omari, reports indicate that Al-Ittihad's management has already begun exploring other options to bolster their central defense. The club's management is working diligently to address defensive weaknesses before the transfer window closes, with several local and international names being discussed by the technical staff as they aim for a stronger performance in the second half of the season.
