New manager for Cristiano Ronaldo! Al-Nassr fire boss Luis Castro and in talks to appoint former AC Milan head coach

After picking up two draws from their opening three Saudi Pro League games this season, Al-Nassr have decided to terminate the contract of manager Castro. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli is their ‘main candidate’ to succeed the Portuguese after talks over a proposed move to Al-Ittihad collapsed.

• WHAT AL-NASSR SAID

  In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Al-Nassr wrote: “Club have officially decided to terminate the contractual relationship with the first team coach, Mr. Luis Castro. We appreciate all the efforts he made with Nassr, and wish him success 💛.”

• • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Milan decided to move on from Pioli at the end of a trophyless season in 2023/24. Paulo Fonseca took his place in the dugout, leaving Pioli out of work. While a move to Al-Ittihad failed to come to fruition, he could manage all-time great Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. They want to dethrone Al-Hilal as league champions, so an upturn in form is essential to keep alive their silverware ambitions.

  • Getty Images

    WHAT NEXT?

    Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side, who are seventh in the table after picking up five points from a possible nine, take on Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Pro League action on Friday night. It remains to be seen if Pioli will be in charge in time for that match.