Speculation is mounting regarding the future of Al-Nassr and Saudi national team goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi , with press reports indicating that the young goalkeeper is seriously considering leaving the club during the upcoming summer transfer window. This consideration stems from his strong desire to secure regular playing time, something that has become increasingly difficult given his recent relegation to the bench.
General context and Al-Aqeedi's journey with Al-Nasr
Nawaf Al-Aqidi, 25, rose to prominence during the 2022-2023 season, seizing the opportunity presented by the injury to veteran Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Saudi Professional League. Al-Aqidi delivered outstanding performances and played a key role in the team's title challenge, earning him the trust of both the fans and the coaching staff, and securing his position as the team's first-choice goalkeeper for an extended period. This season, Al-Aqidi has participated in 11 matches, conceding 12 goals and keeping 3 clean sheets, for a total of 960 minutes played.
The turning point and its impact on his future
This season marked a turning point in Al-Aqidi's career with Al-Nassr. With David Ospina's return from injury and full fitness, competition for the goalkeeper position intensified. The situation was further complicated by the crisis with the Saudi national team before the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, which led to his exclusion from the squad and a suspension imposed by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. These factors combined to cause him to lose his place in coach Luis Castro's starting lineup, as the latter began preferring to rely on Ospina's experience in important matches.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
At this stage of his career, regular playing time is crucial for Nawaf Al-Aqidi's future, both to maintain his technical development and to ensure his return to the Saudi national team. Remaining on the bench could negatively impact his form and ambitions. Therefore, leaving, whether on loan or a permanent transfer, seems a logical option to seek a new challenge that guarantees him regular playing time. His agent, Meshaal Al-Sufai'i, alluded to the player's importance and stature in a previous post on the "X" platform, denying rumors and affirming that "Nawaf is a son of Al-Nassr and gives his all to serve this club." However, this hasn't stopped speculation about his future given his current situation. Al-Aqidi's potential departure would open the door for several major Saudi league clubs to compete for his signature, given his talent and international experience.
