Al Nassr have opened talks with Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi over a new three-year contract, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club during the next winter transfer window before moving for free in the following summer, unless an agreement is reached with Al Nassr.
Saudi journalist Saud Al-Sarami said the club had already begun negotiations with the goalkeeper.
“What I know is that Al Nassr have started discussions with Nawaf Al-Aqidi to renew his contract for the next three years,” Al-Sarami told Al Arabiya FM.
He also called on Al-Aqidi’s representative, Mishal Al-Safaei, to work with the club’s management to reach an agreement.
“I hope Mishal Al-Safaei co-operates with Al Nassr’s management, because the club and its supporters want the goalkeeper and do not want him to leave,” he added.
Al-Sarami said the proposal currently on the table was the best contract offered to a Saudi, Arab or Gulf goalkeeper, while urging all parties to keep their demands realistic.
“I hope the demands are logical and realistic, especially as Al Nassr’s current offer is considered the best contract for a Saudi, Arab and Gulf goalkeeper,” he said.
Injury keeps goalkeeper out
Al-Aqidi is currently recovering from a serious injury suffered while playing for the Saudi Arabia national team at the Arabian Gulf Cup “Gulf 27”.
The injury occurred during Saudi Arabia’s 1-0 victory over Kuwait in their opening group-stage match.
Al-Sarami said Al-Aqidi was expected to be unavailable for between five and 10 weeks. He is also due to travel to Europe to continue his treatment, although the destination has not yet been decided.
“Al-Aqidi will be out for five to 10 weeks and will soon travel to Europe to complete his treatment,” Al-Sarami said. “The country has not yet been determined between England, Spain, Germany and France.”
The journalist also described the injury as a positive development for Al Nassr, without providing further details.
Al-Aqidi was Al Nassr’s first-choice goalkeeper during the first half of last season. However, he subsequently lost his place to Brazilian goalkeeper Bento after making a number of mistakes.
The contract talks come as Al Nassr seek to retain a goalkeeper who remains wanted by the club and its supporters, with his current agreement approaching its final months.