Real Madrid veteran set to join recently promoted Saudi Pro League side this summer - Reports
Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez is reportedly heading to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah. The Spaniard is leaving the Santiago Bernabeu after spending 12 years with the La Liga giants.
ESPN reports that Nachp has agreed to join Al-Qadsiah, who earned promotion to the Saudi top flight last season. The six-time UEFA Champions League winner was initially in advanced talks with Al-Ittihad, potentially reuniting with Madrid legend Karim Benzema.
However, Nacho, 34, and Nadi Al-Sha'ab failed to agree on terms, and he's set to join the newly promoted Al-Qadsiah on a two-year deal. He'll earn a reported €10 million per season at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Dammam.
Michel, the former Real Madrid right-winger, is in charge of Al-Qadsiah who are making moves in Saudi Arabia. The Spaniard has a squad that boasts Belgian Euro 2024 starting goalkeeper Koen Casteels and former Atletico Madrid frontman Luciano Vietto.
Nacho decided to leave Madrid when his contract expires at the end of this month. He's representing Spain at Euro 2024 after another memorable season with Los Blancos.
The veteran defender was handed Madrid's captain's armband last summer after Benzema's exit. He made 45 appearances across competitions, helping his side keep 17 clean sheets.
Carlo Ancelotti wanted Nacho Fernandez to stay at Real Madrid
Nacho's Real Madrid departure is emotional, as he's one of the club's longest-serving players. He's made 364 appearances at the Bernabeu, winning a joint-record 26 major trophies.
Ancelotti didn't want Nacho to leave and hoped the 26-cap Spain international changed his mind. The Italian was claimed to have said (via Marca):
"Don't do something crazy, stay here, with us, at Real Madrid."
Nacho is set to leave Madrid. His last outing was in the Champions League final. He was part of Ancelotti's side that beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley on June 1.
The Spaniard is joined by Toni Kroos in leaving Los Merengues this summer. The German midfielder, 34, has decided to retire, and Euro 2024 will be his final competition for club and country.
There has been a change of guard at the Bernabeu, and a new generation is emerging. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde have replaced legendary talent like Kroos, Karim Benzema and Casemiro.
Nacho made his Real Madrid debut in April 2011, aged 21, under Jose Mourinho. From then on, he was a prominent member of Los Blancos' first team, and his versatility was a major asset.