The management of Al-Nassr Saudi Club is close to finalizing the first file of players leaving the first football team during the current winter transfer period, as Brazilian goalkeeper Pinto Matheus is just a few steps away from moving to the Italian League (Serie A), in a move aimed at rearranging the team’s cards.
Details of Genoa's offer and Al-Nasr's stance
According to reliable media reports, specifically those from Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the Brazilian goalkeeper has reached a preliminary agreement with Italian club Genoa. The deal involves a six-month loan until the end of the season, with an option for Genoa to make the transfer permanent. Pinto is expected to fly to Italy within the next few hours to undergo a medical and sign the contracts, following a slight delay due to the public holidays.
Motives for change and declining results
These rapid moves within Al-Nassr come in response to the team's recent poor performance, prompting the coaching staff to restructure the squad. Al-Nassr has suffered a significant points drought, failing to secure a victory in its last three matches, managing only a disappointing draw against Al-Ettifaq and suffering painful defeats against both Al-Ahli and Al-Qadisiyah. This negative run has led to the team losing its lead in the Saudi Professional League and slipping down the standings, with its points tally remaining at 31 after the latest 1-2 loss to Al-Qadisiyah.
The context of the competition and the importance of the Riyadh derby
This activity in the transfer market takes on added significance given the crucial timing of the season, as Al-Nassr prepares for a highly anticipated and decisive match against its arch-rival Al-Hilal in the Riyadh derby. Derby matches in Saudi football are considered pivotal in determining the course of the title race, placing immense pressure on the management and players to get back on track before this major encounter. Releasing foreign players, replacing them, or reducing the squad size reflects a serious desire to improve the team's quality and ensure competitiveness for all available titles, both domestically and continentally.
Reasons for Pinto's departure and his next destination
On a technical level, Pinto's departure was linked to his exclusion from the starting lineup in recent matches, with the coaching staff preferring to rely on Saudi international goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi. Despite interest from other European clubs, such as West Ham United, the Brazilian goalkeeper's desire ultimately led him to Genoa. It's worth noting that Pinto played 10 matches for Al-Nassr this season, keeping five clean sheets. His overall record with the club stands at 59 appearances, during which he has kept 20 clean sheets – a record he now seeks to improve upon once again through his move to Europe.
