Al-Nassr, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, is reportedly aiming to sign Exequiel Palacios, a midfielder who has also played alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina. The Saudi Pro League club is looking to strengthen its squad this summer by targeting Palacios, who is currently with Bayer Leverkusen.
Ben Jacobs has reported that Al-Ahli is also attempting to acquire Palacios, while Al-Nassr remains actively involved in the negotiations. As reigning champions of the AFC Champions League Elite, Al-Nassr has contacted the player and is planning to present an official bid.
Palacios Open About Transfer Possibilities but Focused on Leverkusen
Al-Nassr has expressed clear interest in bolstering their midfield options, and Palacios has emerged as a leading candidate. The Argentine midfielder has not ruled out a move away from Bayer Leverkusen. Speaking to Trivela earlier this month, he explained his current mindset regarding the transfer window.
“The transfer window is open and there’s plenty of time, but I’m relaxed, training and preparing for the start of the Bundesliga. My mind is now on Leverkusen. We’ll see what happens later.”
Though other teams pursue him, Palacios has confirmed that his immediate focus remains on performing for his current club.
He also mentioned his long-term dream of returning to River Plate in Argentina but intends to stay in Europe for now.
“I always dream of returning to River. But right now my mind is on Leverkusen, in Europe, I’m not thinking about going back. I have friends at the club [River Plate], and I keep following them.”
Interest from Top European Clubs Highlights Palacios’ Rising Profile
Besides Saudi clubs, Palacios has attracted attention from major European teams such as Real Madrid and Fenerbahce due to his strong performances at Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso, who previously managed Palacios in Germany, now oversees Real Madrid, sparking speculation about a potential reunion this summer.
Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli are keen to outbid their rivals to secure the midfielder’s transfer to the Saudi Pro League. The addition would support Al-Nassr’s efforts to enhance their squad alongside recent signings Inigo Martinez from Barcelona and Joao Felix from Chelsea, particularly to strengthen the midfield alongside Marcelo Brozovic.
Patrice Evra Comments on Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi Rivalry Possibility in MLS
Meanwhile, Patrice Evra recently spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo, praising him as an unstoppable athlete who might yet return to European football. When asked whether Ronaldo should join <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>MLS to rekindle his iconic rivalry with Lionel Messi, Evra enthusiastically endorsed the idea.
“Of course! Two legends, one last dance, everyone would watch.”
Ronaldo recently extended his contract at Al-Nassr for two more years, keeping him with the club until 2027. On the other hand, Lionel Messi remains in ongoing contract discussions, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the year.
Implications for the Saudi Pro League and Transfer Market
The pursuit of Exequiel Palacios by Al-Nassr underscores the club’s commitment to reshaping their squad with notable talent connected to Lionel Messi and Argentine football. Securing the midfielder would not only strengthen their lineup but also enhance the league’s profile by attracting internationally recognized players.
As transfer windows progress, the competition between Saudi clubs and European giants will intensify, with Al-Nassr aiming to leverage its recent successes and star signings to dominate domestically and in Asian competitions.