Al-Nassr turn to Mike Maignan as Milan goalkeeper faces uncertain future

Al-Nassr have made an unexpected move to sign Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as they look for their second addition of the summer transfer window, with the Saudi Pro League club seeking to take advantage of growing uncertainty around the Frenchman.

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Al-Nassr are interested in bringing Maignan to Saudi Arabia as they prepare to strengthen their goalkeeping options.

The club are looking for a new goalkeeper to replace Brazil international Bento, while Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi is also close to leaving. That has prompted Al-Nassr to explore the possibility of signing Maignan, despite the difficult nature of any potential deal.

Maignan has recently become the focus of growing criticism from Milan supporters after his return to the club’s training camp was delayed. The goalkeeper and team-mate Adrien Rabiot were due to report back on 12 August following the 2026 World Cup, but their arrival was pushed back to 16 August.

The delay angered sections of the Milan fanbase, who targeted Maignan with strong criticism as the new season moved closer to its opening fixtures. Al-Nassr are understood to view the situation as a possible opportunity to test Milan’s resolve and assess whether the player could be persuaded to leave.

However, a transfer would be difficult to complete. Maignan, 31, signed a new five-year contract with Milan in January, keeping him at the club until 2031.

He is also among Milan’s highest-paid players, earning 7m euros per year. That figure, however, is considered modest compared with the salary he could command in the Saudi Pro League, which may strengthen Al-Nassr’s chances of convincing him to consider a move.

Maignan is expected to hold talks with Milan’s management and Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim after he returns to the club. Those discussions are expected to clarify his position and determine whether he remains part of Milan’s plans.

The goalkeeper is Milan captain and joined the club in 2021 from Lille. Since then, he has made 204 appearances for the Italian side, conceding 208 goals and keeping 75 clean sheets.

Maignan was also France’s goalkeeper during the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. France, known as “Les Bleus”, finished fourth at the tournament.

Al-Nassr’s interest therefore comes at a significant moment for both player and club. The Saudi side need to resolve their goalkeeping situation, while Milan must decide how to handle the reaction surrounding their captain and the long-term commitment already agreed with him.