Al Nassr’s Rival Gearing Up to Sign Lionel Messi’s Argentina Teammate Despite Prior Rejection- Reports

Al Nassr’s signing of Cristiano Ronaldo raised the bar for the Saudi Pro League. Since then, these clubs have been doing their best to keep up with the Joneses, acquiring big names. In the thick of the competition, one of Luis Castro and Co’s arch-rivals is looking to sign a compatriot of Lionel Messi, despite facing roadblocks in the past. It looks like Al Ahli isn’t keen on the idea of giving up on Rodrigo De Paul.

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, the World Cup winner could leave his current club, Atletico Madrid, for the Middle East. Notably, he has a contract with Los Rojiblancos until the summer of 2026. As per transfermarkt.com, he is valued at €30 million or $32 million, a fee that Al Ahli would have to pay to the La Liga side. This isn’t even the first time Matthias Jaissle and Co. are pursuing De Paul to join their ranks. 

Earlier, in the 2023 summer transfer window, Al Malaki offered to pay his release clause, which Atletico was even ready to accept. However, the former Udinese man himself rejected the offer and decided to stay at the Metropolitano Stadium to fight for his place. This season, De Paul has made 38 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side and even made 6 goal contributions.

While he is a vital part of the Madrid side, Al Ahli will still try to convince the former Valencia star to become part of the Middle Eastern exodus. Certainly, signing De Paul will give Al Nassr’s rivals a major boost. In fact, he isn’t the only star arriving from La Liga. 

Al Nassr and its rivals fighting to sign a star from Lionel Messi’s beloved club

According to Turkish journalist, Ekrem Konur, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal are keen to sign Raphinha from Barcelona. Allegedly, these 3 Roshn Saudi League teams are prepared to offer up to €100 million ($108 million) for the 27-year-old. Initially, the lethal winger was rumored to join either Al Nassr or fill in for the injured Neymar at Al Hilal. But neither move materialized.

Moreover, Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco previously hinted that the club is open to parting ways with the Brazilian as they aim to improve their financial situation in the coming months. He said, “It’s a shame to lose Raphinha, but we’re getting Pedri back. We’re a little used to it but it’s a shame because he’s an important player for us.” However, it remains to be seen if any of these Saudi clubs can successfully persuade the former Leeds man, similar to Al Ahli’s efforts to convince Rodrigue De Paul to join.

READ MORE: Reigniting Cristiano Ronaldo’s Europe Return Hopes, Saudi Clubs Intensify Push for Champions League Inclusion- Reports