Brazilian goalkeeper Pinto, currently with Saudi club Al-Nassr, is very close to leaving the club during the current transfer window after falling out of favor with the coaching staff. This comes as Al-Nassr's management seeks to restructure the squad and make the most of their foreign player slots, coinciding with Pinto's lack of regular playing time under the Portuguese coach.
Technical changes and the brilliance of the local alternative
The current football season has witnessed significant tactical shifts within Al-Nassr, with the coaching staff relying heavily on Saudi international goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi. Al-Aqidi has delivered outstanding performances, significantly reducing Pinto's chances of securing a starting position. This domestic success has prompted the Riyadh-based club's management to seriously consider the Brazilian goalkeeper's future. Press reports indicate that the coach is not opposed to Pinto's departure, especially since his exit would free up a foreign player slot for Al-Nassr to sign a striker or midfielder. This aligns with the strategy of Roshan League clubs to bolster their squads with top international stars in key positions.
General context: The strategy of foreign players in the Saudi League
This potential decision comes within a broader context concerning the regulations of the Saudi Professional League, where major clubs are striving to balance the acquisition of world-class goalkeepers with the pressing need to strengthen their midfield positions with top-tier players. The goalkeeper position is often the first casualty when a midfielder or striker needs to be signed, especially given the presence of highly skilled local goalkeepers like Nawaf Al-Aqidi, which gives Al-Nassr greater tactical and marketing flexibility in the transfer market.
English and Italian offers are on the horizon
On the other hand, Pinto doesn't seem likely to face difficulty finding a new club, as the goalkeeper seeks an experience that guarantees consistent playing time to maintain his international prospects. Reports indicate that the Brazilian goalkeeper has received several serious offers in recent weeks, most notably strong interest from English club West Ham United, who are looking to bolster their goalkeeping options in the Premier League during the winter transfer window.
Interest wasn't limited to the English Premier League; Italian club Genoa also entered the negotiations strongly. According to sources, the Italian club submitted a financial offer of approximately €5 million to loan Pinto until the end of the season, with an option to buy. Serie A is considered an ideal environment for Brazilian goalkeepers to develop their tactical abilities, which could entice Pinto to accept.
World Cup ambitions and representing the Samba
Pinto has his sights set on a strategic goal: securing a place in the Brazilian national team for upcoming competitions, most notably the 2026 World Cup. The goalkeeper is well aware that sitting on the bench in the Saudi league could jeopardize his spot in the Seleção, especially given the fierce competition from other world-class goalkeepers like Alisson Becker and Ederson. Therefore, a move to a strong European league could be the ideal way to convince the Brazilian national team coach of his technical and physical readiness.
Pinto's journey with Al-Nasr and the team's current situation
It is worth noting that Pinto joined Al-Nassr in the summer of 2023, making 59 appearances across all competitions. During this time, he conceded 61 goals and kept 20 clean sheets. Domestically, Al-Nassr continues its campaign in the Saudi Professional League, currently sitting in second place with 31 points after thirteen rounds. They are preparing to host Al-Qadisiyah on Thursday evening in the fourteenth round, a match in which they will aim to close the gap with the league leaders.
