According to information from Sport, Al Nassr will have to sacrifice several of its stars if they qualify for the upcoming Asian Champions League. The competition’s rules allow only a limited number of players born outside the continent.
Very active in the transfer market this summer, like several other Saudi teams, Al Nassr has welcomed several stars, including Sadio Mané, Seko Fofana, Alex Telles, and Marcelo Brozovic. They are even expected to be joined by Aymeric Laporte. However, the Saudi Pro League club will face a rich-man’s problem, according to Sport.
The Spanish media reported that the Saudi team is facing a difficult decision regarding its player selection, especially in view of participating in the Asian Champions League. If they qualify against Shabab Al-Ahli in the playoffs on Tuesday night, Al Nassr will have a dilemma. Indeed, Sport points out that teams in the AFC Champions League are only allowed to register five non-Asian continent players. Obviously, the Saudi club has many more in its ranks.
Sport indicates that priority is given to players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Seko Fofana, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles. However, the arrival of Laporte could complicate this situation. Another challenge also arises with Anderson Talisca, a key player, who might be forced to leave the team due to the situation.
This possibility is not desirable. In 2024, the current rules may be changed to eliminate limitations on foreign players, as the Iberian source specifies. In the meantime, Al Nassr will have to make a difficult decision regarding its major talents.
