Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Offers Lifeline to 35YO Star Ahead of China Friendlies: Reports

Colombian international and former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina has been in dire straits since he moved to Al Nassr in July 2022. Despite joining the side before Cristiano Ronaldo, the 35-year-old has played just 14 matches due to an elbow injury. Moreover, Al Nassr did not even register Ospina for the 23-24 season because of the prolonged recovery. Besides, Ronaldo’s side also mulled selling the 35-year-old in the ongoing transfer window. However, all this could become a story of the past, and tables could turn in Ospina’s favor. But it depends on how the Chinese friendlies pan out for the Colombian.

Al Nassr is yet to make a landmark signing this January transfer window. Nevertheless, it does not mean the club is alien to any key changes. Perhaps, David Ospina could even play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for the foreseeable future.

Ospina is two friendlies away from thriving alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr

According to Actu SPL, Al Nassr might backtrack on their plans to sell David Ospina, this transfer season. Instead, the club ponders to register the 35-year-old and include him in the squad for the future. Anyhow, the potential registration and inclusion depend on how well Ospina performs against the Chinese Super League sides, Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang FC. If the #1 satisfies coach Luis Castro, Al Nassr will reportedly include him in the squad instead of the midfielder Seko Fofana. Al Nassr is trying to loan Fofana to the Saudi side, Al Shabab.

Seko Fofana has been having an interesting saga in the Al Nassr camp lately. Earlier, when the club was going through a lackluster phase, the Ivorian midfielder remarked he was unhappy, hinting at a potential departure. Later, when the Knights of Najd upped their ante, Fofana said he was happy to contribute to the team. Anyhow, Al Nassr is determined to loan him out. Coming back to David Ospina, the player could secure his and Al Nassr’s future if things go well in China. Here’s how.

How David Ospina can thrive in Riyadh?

Al Nassr has recently decided not to sign any goalkeeper in the January transfer window. This update came after numerous rumors linked ex-Manchester United goalie David De Gea with Al Nassr. Since the club is not giving room to De Gea, or any goalie for that matter, Ospina could become a familiar face at Al-Awwal Park, with Nawaf Alaqidi as the only competition.

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Anyhow, Alaqidi has failed to keep a clean sheet even once in the ongoing season. Meanwhile, Ospina has registered a decent nine clean sheets during his mere 14 appearances. This means, the 35-year-old still got the mettle in him to guard the Saudi giants’ post. Therefore, he, like Cristiano Ronaldo, could defy age and give Al Nassr a better run in the matches to come. But first, he must deliver in China, and let’s hope he delivers.

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