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Topics: Al Nassr, Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football, Saudi Pro League, Transfer News, La Liga
Jonathan Bray
Topics: Al Nassr, Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football, Saudi Pro League, Transfer News, La Liga
Alexander Isak, Harvey Elliott, and Jadon Sancho were among the big names to make a deadline day move when the English window closed on September 1 - but there could still be more major transfer business to come this summer.
The transfer window may have slammed shut for Premier League clubs, but Saudi Arabian sides are still on the lookout for new signings.
Saudi Pro League teams can continue to sign players until September 23, meaning European sides are still at risk of losing some of their biggest names and hottest prospects.
The division's spending has caught the imagination of European football fans in recent years, with Ivan Toney suggesting that the Saudi Pro League is a similar level to the Premier League in recent weeks.
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That could be bad news for Barcelona, who are reportedly at risk of losing one of their most prodigious young players before the window closes later this month.
The La Liga side returned to the top of Spanish football last season as their young squad snatched the league title away from a star-studded Real Madrid.
Youth was at the heart of their title triumph, with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Pedri playing a key role in their 2024/2025 campaign.
However, Saudi-based outlet Okaz Sports is now reporting that they could be set to lose 18-year-old defensive midfielder Marc Bernal.
The La Masia graduate made his La Liga debut in August 2024 and is one of the most exciting talents to have come out of Spain in recent years.
He made three impressive appearances in La Liga at the start of the 2024/2025 season, but then disaster struck.
The youngster suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament tear that meant he missed the opportunity to cement his place in Barcelona’s starting eleven.
Bernal has also made a splash on the international stage with Spain's Under-17s, and if he can return to full fitness - he will undoubtedly challenge for international honours.
However, if Okaz Sports are to be believed, he could be set to make his return to the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr.
They are considering a late move for the midfielder this summer, having already signed Inigo Martinez from Barcelona this summer.
However, Barcelona Universal report Al Nassr are unlikely to be successful in their approach.
Hansi Flick is said to see Bernal as an 'integral part of the club’s plans for the present and future' and are unlikely to consider selling him following recent injuries to midfielders Gavi and Frenkie de Jong.
Former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United star Ronaldo will be keen for reinforcements as he looks to win his first Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr.
He first joined the Saudi club in 2023 and is still making a significant impact in the league despite being 40 years old.
Ronaldo scored an impressive 25 league goals for his side last season, finishing the campaign as the Saudi Pro League’s top scorer.
However, Al Nassr could only finish second behind Al Hilal in the league table.