Al Nassr face Nawaf Al-Aqidi dilemma after goalkeeper rejects improved contract

Nawaf Al-Aqidi has rejected an improved contract offer from Al Nassr and is determined to leave the Saudi Pro League club, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya.

The club had put forward a new proposal with enhanced financial terms in an attempt to retain the Saudi Arabia international, but Al-Aqidi turned it down. The goalkeeper has told those close to the situation that he wants to pursue a new challenge during the next stage of his career.

Al-Aqidi would prefer to leave Al Nassr this summer, either through a permanent transfer or on loan. If neither option can be completed, he is prepared to remain at the club until January, when he would enter the free period of his contract. That would allow him to leave without a transfer fee at the end of the season.

The report says Al Nassr have contacted the goalkeeper’s agent to help identify a suitable offer. However, Al-Aqidi’s position has not changed and he does not currently want to continue with the club.

Al Nassr have already received two official approaches for the player. Al Fateh and Al Shabab have both expressed an interest in signing the goalkeeper, although no agreement has been reached.

The club’s management has asked Al-Aqidi to make a final decision on his future. It has also made clear that the improved renewal offer will remain available if he changes his mind and decides against leaving.

The goalkeeper’s refusal represents a setback for Al Nassr, who had hoped that better financial terms would persuade him to stay. Instead, the club must now consider whether to negotiate a transfer or loan this summer, while also preparing for the possibility that Al-Aqidi remains until January before departing as a free agent.

Al-Aqidi’s situation has therefore become one of the key decisions facing Al Nassr in the coming period. The club must balance its desire to keep the player with his stated preference for a fresh experience elsewhere, while interest from Al Fateh and Al Shabab provides potential routes for an earlier departure.

The report also referenced a separate story examining whether Mohamed Salah could be heading to Atletico de Madrid.