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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Luis Castro might be sacked by Al-Nassr</li><li>Pioli being lined up as his successor</li><li>Was earlier linked with a move to Al-Ittihad</li></ul>

A new boss for Cristiano Ronaldo! Al-Nassr close in on Stefano Pioli after ex-AC Milan manager's move to Al-Ittihad breaks down

Saudi Pro League

Al Nassr FC

Al Qadasiya

Serie A

AC Milan

Juventus

At the start of the summer transfer window, Pioli appeared set to take charge of Al-Ittihad after being dismissed by AC Milan. The deal, which was all but finalised, included a lucrative contract reportedly worth €10 million (£8.43m/$11m) per year, along with performance bonuses. However, as negotiations progressed, the move unexpectedly collapsed, which has now allowed Al-Nassr to swoop in, according to <a href="https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/Milan/09-09-2024/pioli-in-arabia-media-arabia-sicuri-a-un-passo-dall-al-nassr.shtml?refresh_ce" target="_blank">Gazzetta</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Pioli has emerged as the top candidate to replace Luis Castro, edging out other possible candidates including Sergio Conceicao. Castro's position at <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/reason-why-cristiano-ronaldo-saudi-arabia-problem-portugal-39-year-old-extends-career-2026-world-cup/blt27f1ef1a43ca9f8d" target="_blank">Al-Nassr is reportedly under threat due to mixed results</a> at the start of the season. The Knights of Najd lost the Saudi Super Cup final to fierce rivals A-Hilal by a 4-1 margin and dropped points against Al-Raed in their Saudi Pro League campaign opener, which has put Castro in a spot of bother.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Should Pioli leave Italy to take up the managerial role at Al-Nassr, it would have significant financial implications for AC Milan. The Italian coach is still contracted to Milan until 2025, with an annual salary of €4m (£3.37m/$4.42m), and the Rossoneri have to bear his wages if he continues to be a free agent. However, if he signs with Al-Nassr, it would lighten Milan's financial load, freeing up funds for the club to reinvest in other areas of the squad.

DID YOU KNOW?

Al-Nassr return to action against Al-Ahli on Friday after the international break. The fixture will be an acid test for Castro as the manager might be relieved from his duties if Ronaldo and Co fail to keep winning.

WHAT NEXT?

A new boss for Cristiano Ronaldo! Al-Nassr close in on Stefano Pioli after ex-AC Milan manager's move to Al-Ittihad breaks down | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo could reportedly be coached by Stefano Pioli at Al-Nassr after the ex-AC Milan manager&apos;s move to Al-Ittihad broke down.

A new boss for Cristiano Ronaldo! Al-Nassr close in on Stefano Pioli after ex-AC Milan manager&apos;s move to Al-Ittihad breaks down