Cristiano Ronaldo has seen his Al Nassr squad strengthened significantly compared to last season, and the 2025 summer transfer window remains open with more moves still in play. Fresh reports suggest the Saudi side is now targeting a Lionel Messi teammate and Argentina World Cup winner.
After an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign, Ronaldo has taken on an increasingly influential role in Al Nassr’s decisions. With some of his confidants moving into executive positions, the Portuguese star played a reported role in the arrivals of new head coach Jorge Jesus and players such as Joao Felix, Iñigo Martinez, and Kingsley Coman. Now, another name has been added to the shortlist.
According to Ben Jacobs, Al Nassr are exploring a move for Exequiel Palacios. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder faces an uncertain future following the arrival of Erik ten Hag as head coach, and Ronaldo’s club is reportedly aware of the conditions required to strike a deal.
Palacios was part of the Argentina squads alongside Messi that won back-to-back Copa Américas and the 2022 World Cup. Since joining Leverkusen in 2020, he also became the first Argentine to win one of Europe’s top five leagues unbeaten, lifting the Bundesliga title during the club’s historic 2023-24 season.
In Leverkusen’s last two matches — a preseason loss to Chelsea (2-0) and a DFB-Pokal first-round win over SG Sonnenhof Großaspach (4-0) — Ten Hag started Aleix García and Robert Andrich in midfield, while Palacios was left out of the squad entirely. With his future unresolved and less than two weeks before the transfer window closes, the Argentine’s situation is one to watch heading into deadline day.
Al Nassr face competition for Palacios
After strengthening both attack and defense, Al Nassr are now focused on bolstering the midfield alongside Marcelo Brozović with another Europe-tested player. However, Palacios is also drawing strong interest from Al Ahli, who have already opened talks with the player’s camp.
Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri reports that Leverkusen are demanding a fee of €45 million to part ways with the midfielder. With another Saudi Pro League rival in the mix and a significant transfer fee on the table, Al Nassr face major obstacles in their bid to add Palacios to Ronaldo’s supporting cast.