Nawaf Al-Aqidi has rejected an improved contract proposal from Al Nassr and told the Saudi Arabian club he wants to pursue a new challenge, according to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah.
Al Nassr had offered the goalkeeper better financial terms in an attempt to retain him, but the Saudi Arabia international turned down the revised deal. His decision represents a significant setback for the club, which is now working to establish the next step in his career.
Al-Aqidi prefers to leave Al Nassr during the summer transfer window. His departure could take place either through a permanent transfer or a loan move, with both options understood to be acceptable to the player.
If a move cannot be completed this summer, Al-Aqidi is prepared to remain at Al Nassr until January. At that point, he would enter the final six months of his contract and could then prepare to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Al Nassr have contacted the goalkeeper’s agent as they search for a suitable offer. However, Al-Aqidi is maintaining his position and does not want to continue with the club, despite the effort being made to persuade him to stay.
The club have already received two formal approaches for the goalkeeper. Al Fateh and Al Shabab have both expressed an interest in signing Al-Aqidi, although no agreement has been reached.
Al Nassr’s management has asked the player to make his final decision clear. The club has also told him that its renewal offer will remain available if he changes his mind and decides against leaving.
The situation leaves Al Nassr facing a decision over whether to accept a transfer or loan proposal this summer, or retain Al-Aqidi until he reaches the final months of his agreement. The goalkeeper’s preference, however, is understood to be a new experience away from the club.
Al-Aqidi’s position means Al Nassr must now continue discussions with his representative while considering the offers from Al Fateh and Al Shabab. The club’s improved financial proposal has not altered the player’s desire to move on.
The report comes amid wider transfer speculation involving high-profile players. A separate item referenced by the newspaper asks whether Mohamed Salah could be heading towards Atletico Madrid, but that matter is unrelated to Al-Aqidi’s situation at Al Nassr.
