Ange Postecoglou has given Al Nassr’s players one final opportunity to prove their value before he decides which members of the squad will leave the club ahead of the new season.
The Australian manager has told Al Nassr’s administrative staff that the club’s list of departures will not be revealed until the team completes its overseas training camp in Lisbon, according to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiya.
Postecoglou will make his final decisions after Al Nassr play their last match in Portugal and return to Riyadh. Players who are no longer part of his plans could leave either through permanent transfers or temporary loan deals.
The coach’s assessment comes as Al Nassr continue their preparations for the new campaign in the Portuguese capital. The club began its training camp on 19 July and has played two friendly matches so far.
They opened with a 2-1 defeat by Benfica’s reserve team before responding with a 2-0 victory against Spanish side Merida.
Al Nassr are scheduled to play a third friendly on Saturday, when they face Portuguese club Estrela Amadora. They will then conclude their camp against Spanish side Almeria next Tuesday.
The club’s management will not allow any player to leave on a free loan during the coming season, the report added. That policy will apply particularly to players who are on substantial salaries.
Once the Portugal camp is complete, Postecoglou is expected to work with the club’s hierarchy to confirm which players will be sold and which may be sent out on loan. The decisions will come before Al Nassr begin their competitive campaign.
The new season is due to start in about two weeks, with Al Nassr facing Al Fateh on 15 August in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League.
Postecoglou’s final selection process therefore takes place with the season approaching quickly. The remaining fixtures in Lisbon will give players another chance to influence the manager’s plans, while the club will also determine how to handle those who are not retained in the squad.
The outcome of the assessment will shape Al Nassr’s squad before their league opener and establish which players remain part of the team for the new campaign.
