Sporting Director Linked With Move to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr After Announcing AS Roma Departure

The exodus to Saudi Arabia seems to have become a bottomless pit. From acquiring the services of highly-rated players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar to revered coaches like Steven Gerrard, the appeal of the Roshn Saudi League keeps growing. But it seems the influx goes beyond that, as the latest addition to the list may be a seasoned sporting director. This surprising development comes after AS Roma announced the departure of their sporting director and general manager, Tiago Pinto, on their website.

However, it seems Pinto won’t need to go to the job center, as according to Italian journalist Marco Conterio, the former left-back’s future lies in the Middle East. Al Nassr has reportedly expressed interest and might put together a proposal in the upcoming weeks. 

Notably, Pinto was at the service of the Giallorossi for three years, having joined the office in 2021. Under his tenure, Roma won the UEFA Conference League in 2022 and advanced to the UEFA Europa League final in 2023. Yet the Italian giants opted not to renew his contract and parted ways mutually. The club’s president and vice president, Dan and Ryan Friedkin, have revealed that the process of finding a replacement is underway, and an official announcement is expected in the coming weeks. 

Likewise, Tiago Pinto will officially empty his office on February 3, after the conclusion of the winter transfer window. Perhaps then we can see him come to Riyadh. In the meantime, Luis Castro’s side can negotiate terms with their potential sporting director. However, for now, the Saudi club is grappling with another transfer situation, which hinders them from signing players quickly. 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. will likely suffer a delay for every winter signing

The Saudi Pro League has revealed a new set of rules and regulations for the winter transfer window. When signing players, teams must go through a rigorous three-step process. All the SPL sides must first apply to the league in order to start the process of having the transfer’s financial feasibility assessed. After clearance, the clubs and players can start negotiating. 

READ MORE: Kevin De Bruyne to Al Nassr? Manchester City Star Open to Evaluate Details of a Possible Transfer to Saudi Arabia- Reports

Additionally, teams would be required to report any developments to the association during this process. Before the parties sign the contract, the terms of the agreement must be presented to the league in the second phase. Sending all signed paperwork to the league headquarters is the last step. Indeed, this is quite a lengthy procedure, which burdens the shoulders of SPL clubs. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below.

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