Al Nassr secure young goalkeeper Abdulhadi Al‑Alwan as Nawaf Al‑Aqidi heads for elbow surgery
Al Nassr plug goalkeeping hole with loan signing
Saudi giants Al Nassr, the club that counts Cristiano Ronaldo among its ranks, have moved swiftly to address a sudden vacancy between the posts. The club announced that 20‑year‑old Abdulhadi Al‑Alwan will join the senior goalkeeping roster as the new backup after the first‑choice keeper, Nawaf Al‑Aqidi, was ruled out following elbow surgery.
Al‑Aqidi’s injury and upcoming operation
The Saudi international suffered a blow to his elbow during the opening match of the Arabian Gulf Cup against Kuwait, a game Saudi Arabia won 1‑0. Medical examinations confirmed the severity of the injury and Al‑Aqidi was subsequently withdrawn from the national squad. Al Nassr confirmed that the goalkeeper will travel to London for an operation scheduled for Friday, a procedure that is expected to keep him sidelined for a minimum of two months and likely excludes him from the Asian Cup slated for early 2027.
Who is Abdulhadi Al‑Alwan?
Al‑Alwan arrives from Al Fateh’s under‑21 side on a loan that runs until the close of the current season. While the initial intent of the deal was to bolster Al Nassr’s youth ranks, a clause permits the club to utilise him with the senior squad if required. Moreover, Al Nassr hold a preferential option to purchase his contract before the loan expires, giving the Riyadh‑based outfit a potential long‑term solution in goal.
Goalkeeping depth for a busy calendar
With Al‑Aqidi unavailable, veteran goalkeeper Mohammed Al‑Bento remains the undisputed starter. However, Al Nassr are competing on three fronts – the Saudi Pro League, the AFC Champions League Elite, and the King’s Cup – leaving little margin for error. The addition of Al‑Alwan provides a reliable understudy who can step in should Bento need rest or injury.
Current standing in domestic and continental competitions
- Saudi Pro League: Al Nassr sit third with 19 points, three points behind leaders Al Qadsiah (who have played one more match) and two points adrift of second‑placed Al Hilal. The league still features 26 fixtures for each side.
- AFC Champions League Elite: In the West group, Al Nassr occupy the eighth spot, holding three points from two games. The team is currently in the last qualifying position for the knockout phase, with six group matches remaining.
- King’s Cup: The club has progressed to the round of 16 and will meet Al Kholood on 1 December.
The congested schedule means that any further disruption in goal could jeopardise Al Nassr’s push for titles on all fronts. The club’s management has stressed the importance of having a competent deputy ready to take the gloves at a moment’s notice.
Looking ahead
Al‑Alwan’s integration into the senior training group will be closely monitored by head coach Rudi Bento, who will assess his readiness to feature should the need arise. Meanwhile, Al‑Aqidi’s rehabilitation will be overseen by the club’s medical staff, with the aim of a full recovery before the start of the next season.
Fans have taken to social media to wish Al‑Aqidi a swift return, echoing the club’s own message of encouragement. As Al Nassr navigate the remainder of the campaign, the depth added by the young goalkeeper could prove pivotal in maintaining their momentum in the league, the continental competition, and the domestic cup.
For now, the focus remains on keeping the current squad healthy and competitive, while the loaned talent gains valuable experience within a high‑pressure environment.
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