Latest news with #JorgeJesus
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Diaz Contract Talks Stall as Saudi Club Prepare Major Bid
Luis Diaz Future in Doubt as Al Nassr Ready Huge Bid Interest in Diaz intensifies despite Liverpool's firm stance Luis Diaz's Liverpool future has become one of the most pressing narratives of the transfer window. Despite the club's efforts to extend his stay at Anfield, fresh reports indicate that the Colombian winger may be edging closer to the exit door. Advertisement According to journalist Ben Jacobs on X, 'Luis Diaz remains Al-Nassr's top left-wing target, even after Liverpool told Barcelona he is not for sale.' This firm rejection from the Reds to a major European club has not deterred Saudi side Al Nassr, who are reportedly preparing to test Liverpool's resolve with a substantial offer. 'Nassr (are) prepared to offer in excess of €85m. Diaz was open to Barcelona, but it's still unclear if he'll consider Saudi. Nassr have several other options they will now discuss with incoming head coach Jorge Jesus,' Jacobs continued. Contract talks strained as uncertainty grows Liverpool's attempts to renew Diaz's contract this summer have reportedly been met with frustration from the player's camp. As noted by Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, the winger's representatives feel the club have reneged on verbal commitments regarding a potential move or improved terms. Advertisement Diaz, who still has two years left on his current deal which runs to 2027, was Liverpool's second-highest scorer behind Mohamed Salah during the 2024/25 season. His importance to the squad cannot be understated, yet contract negotiations have reached a concerning stalemate. Al Nassr's pursuit continues under Jorge Jesus Al Nassr's ambition to land Diaz persists despite their recent managerial change. Jorge Jesus, the former Benfica and Sporting CP manager, has reportedly given his approval to target the Colombian international. This continuity suggests the club's interest runs deep and is not a mere opportunistic approach. The potential bid, over €85 million, would represent a significant profit for Liverpool, who signed Diaz from Porto for around €45 million plus €15 million in add-ons. It would also rank as one of the most lucrative sales in the club's history, trailing only Philippe Coutinho's transfer to Barcelona. Photo: IMAGO Financial and footballing implications A move to Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly raise questions about Diaz's motivations and Liverpool's direction under new boss Arne Slot. With Barcelona still circling and Al Nassr intensifying their efforts, Liverpool's position, and the player's own intentions, remain delicately poised. Advertisement Selling Diaz could potentially fund a bid for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, long admired at Anfield. But it would also leave a glaring hole in the side's left flank, something the current squad may struggle to fill without a like-for-like replacement of similar quality. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Luis Diaz has fast become a fan favourite, for his flair, his work rate, and his relentless energy. Most Liverpool supporters would hate to see him go, especially to the Saudi Pro League. While the money might be tempting, this would be more than just a financial transaction, it would feel like a sporting compromise. The failure to secure Diaz to a new contract is worrying. If the reports are true and the player's camp feels betrayed, it points to poor communication and strategic missteps within the club's leadership. That can't be the standard going forward under Arne Slot. Advertisement Letting Diaz go might help fund a move for a player like Isak, but there's no guarantee the Norwegian would adapt as quickly or offer the same spark on the wing. Diaz is more than just a stats player, he lifts the crowd, scares defenders, and embodies the intensity Liverpool pride themselves on. If there's any hope of keeping him, FSG and Slot need to fix this. Quickly.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cristiano Ronaldo Sends 3-Word Message To Stefano Pioli After $460M+ Al Nassr Contract
Cristiano Ronaldo Sends 3-Word Message To Stefano Pioli After $460M+ Al Nassr Contract originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Following speculation about his future throughout June, Cristiano Ronaldo will remain at Al Nassr through the summer of 2027, having signed a two-year contract extension. The Portuguese star will continue to chase after trophies for the Saudi Arabian club but will do it without his now former manager, Stefano Pioli. Advertisement Pioli was appointed Al Nassr manager last September, but the club has confirmed its decision not to continue with the Italian coach for next season. After leading Al Nassr to no trophies and a third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League, the club announced parting ways with Pioli days before announcing Ronaldo's contract extension. Ronaldo reacted to the departure with a short message on X, which some interpreted as a sign he would stay at Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo's Message for Pioli On X, Ronaldo simply wrote, "Grazie per tutto!" or "Thanks for everything!" The Portuguese star played 36 games under Pioli, but he was not the player who was used the most by the Italian at Al Nassr. Ronaldo scored 31 goals in his 36 appearances under Pioli in the 2024-25 season at Al Nassr. Pioli's most-used outfield player was Sadio Mané, who made 41 appearances. Advertisement With Pioli out and set to coach Fiorentina in Italy next season, Al Nassr set their sights on bringing a former Saudi Pro League winner. Al Nassr's interest in Jorge Jesus According to reports from Saudi Arabia, Al Nassr is interested in Jorge Jesus as Pioli's replacement for next season. Jorge Jesus was the former coach of Al Hilal, who had a historic season in the Saudi Pro League last year. Al Hilal won the Saudi Pro League in the 2023-24 season under Jorge Jesus with a historic record. They finished with 96 points, earned through 31 wins, three draws, and no losses. The appointment of Jorge Jesus shows intent from Al Nassr in helping Ronaldo and the team lift a trophy next season. Latest reports from Saudi Arabia suggest that Al Nassr sent an official offer to Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. Advertisement Related: Garnacho's Exit Hints Mirror a Long List of Players Who Forced a Transfer This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jumping ship? Jesus in talks with Al-Hilal's rivals
Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus is in negotiations to take over the reins of Al Nassr, from Saudi Arabia, a club seeking a new coach after confirming the departure of Stefano Pioli, this Wednesday (25). The information comes from the website Footmercato, which points to the name of Jorge Jesus — former Al Hilal — as the main option for the Saudi board at this time. Advertisement According to the publication, the club has already started talks with the 69-year-old coach's agent to assess the possibility of a return to the country. Jesus has been without a club since he left Al Hilal, precisely one of Al-Nassr's biggest rivals, the team of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mané, as one of the great coaches of the Saudi club. At the helm of Al-Hilal, the Portuguese coach achieved the longest winning streak in world football history, with 34 consecutive victories. In addition to his success in Arab football, Jorge Jesus is highly esteemed in Brazil for his victorious stint with Flamengo, with whom he won the Libertadores and the Brasileirão in 2019. Advertisement His name was even considered to take over the Brazilian national team before the deal with Carlo Ancelotti. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here. 📸 Yasser Bakhsh - 2025 Getty Images
BBC News
04-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Inzaghi named Al-Hilal coach a day after Inter exit
Simone Inzaghi has been appointed head coach of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, a day after leaving Inter Italian coach has signed a two-year contract after leaving Inter on Serie A club lost 5-0 in Saturday's Champions League final against Paris St-Germain, meaning they suffered their first trophyless season since took charge in 2021, leading the Nerazzurri to the 2023-24 league title and winning the Coppa Italia 49-year-old also led Inter to the 2023 Champions League final, where they lost 1-0 to Manchester succeeds Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, who led Al-Hilal to the Saudi Pro League title in 2023-24 but was sacked last month after his team were knocked out of the Asian Champions League Elite media have reported that Inzaghi's contract is worth up to 30m euros (£25.3m) per first task will be to take charge at the Club World Cup in the United States, where Al-Hilal face Real Madrid in their opening game in Miami on 18 June.
New York Times
04-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Al Hilal confirm Simone Inzaghi as new head coach following Inter exit
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have appointed Simone Inzaghi as their head coach a day after his departure from the Champions League runners-up Inter. The Italian has signed a two-year contract with the club and will be in charge for the Club World Cup in the United States, which starts on June 14. They begin their tournament against Real Madrid on June 18 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. They will also take on Mexican side Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg of Austria in the group stage. Benvenuto, 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐢 🇮🇹💙 — AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) June 4, 2025 Al Hilal are the most successful club in the history of the Saudi Pro League with 19 titles, but they failed to successfully defend the trophy this season, finishing second in the table, eight points behind Al Ittihad. The Riyadh-based club parted ways with Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus in May after their exit from the Asian Champions League and had been without a head coach since. Advertisement It has been a turbulent season for Al Hilal, with their marquee player Neymar terminating his contract by mutual consent in February, having played only seven times since joining for £80million ($102m) in the summer of 2023. Inzaghi began his coaching career at Lazio, where he spent five years and won the Coppa Italia in 2019. He joined Inter in 2021 and went on to win everything there was to win domestically. Inter won the Serie A title in 2023-24 , the Coppa Italia twice and the Supercoppa Italiana three times. Inzaghi also led the team to Champions League final twice, falling short on both occasions. The most recent defeat came against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, a 5-0 thrashing that resulted in the 49-year-old leaving the club two days later. 'The time has come for me to say goodbye to this club after four years, during which I have given everything,' he said upon his exit. 'I thank the shareholders for the trust that has never been lacking, and the president and his staff for their daily help and dialogue. On a difficult day like today I think it is right to reiterate this sense of gratitude also for the meeting that ended just now. We were sincere and decided together to end this magnificent journey.' Inter are also participating in the Club World Cup and will take on Mexican side Monterrey, Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds and River Plate of Argentina in the group stage. (Marco Bertorello/AFP via Getty Images)
