The past few hours have witnessed dramatic developments in the Saudi Professional League transfer file, as international press reports revealed exciting behind-the-scenes details that led to the suspension of the transfer deal of Brazilian goalkeeper “Pinto” from Al-Nasr Club to Genoa Italian Club, at the last moments of negotiations during the current winter transfer period.
Details of Jesus's intervention and change of course
According to renowned Italian journalist and transfer market expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the deal, which was very close to completion, collapsed after direct intervention from Portuguese manager Jorge Jesus. Di Marzio explained via his official X account that an agreement had already been reached between the parties involved in recent days, but a private meeting between the Portuguese coach and the Brazilian goalkeeper changed everything.
During this meeting, Jesus informed his Brazilian goalkeeper that he was a key pillar of the team, assuring him that his position as the starting goalkeeper was guaranteed until the end of the current season. This explicit promise of his continued support provided Pinto with the necessary psychological and technical stability to remain, and it was agreed to postpone any discussions about his departure, allowing the player to decide his future during the upcoming summer transfer window, rather than in the winter.
Genoa are looking for a replacement, and Pinto's numbers with Al-Nassr
On the other hand, this sudden decision has thrown Genoa's plans into disarray, as the Italian club was heavily relying on the Brazilian goalkeeper to bolster their Serie A squad. The report indicates that Genoa has definitively abandoned the deal and has already begun exploring alternative options to strengthen their goalkeeping position before the transfer window closes.
Pinto is delivering impressive performances with Al-Nasr, as the goalkeeper, who recently participated in group training, has played in 10 matches this season, during which he managed to keep a clean sheet in 5 matches, while conceding 7 goals, reflecting his high technical value to the team.
Background of the deal and the Brazilian goalkeeper's career
It is worth noting that Al-Nassr signed the 26-year-old goalkeeper during the summer transfer window of the 2024/2025 season, acquiring him from Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense in a deal aimed at strengthening their goalkeeping position with one of Brazil's most promising talents. Since joining Al-Nassr, Pinto has made a total of 59 appearances, keeping 20 clean sheets and conceding 61 goals.
The coaching staff’s insistence on keeping the goalkeeper comes within the framework of striving to maintain the technical stability of the team competing for local and continental titles, as the goalkeeper position is considered one of the sensitive positions that are difficult to replace in the middle of the season, especially with Al-Nasr’s aspirations to compete strongly in all tournaments.
