Cristiano Ronaldo to unite with Portuguese coach as Al-Nassr reach agreement with ex-Al-Hilal manager

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Al-Nassr have reached an agreement with veteran Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus as they are all set to appoint him as their next head coach. Jesus, who left Al-Hilal at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, will return to the Saudi Pro League this summer and unite with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. The 70-year-old will replace Italian manager Stefano Pioli.

Al-Nassr v Al-Hilal - Saudi Pro League

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Record, Al-Hilal have already reached an agreement with Jesus and the head coach is likely to sign the contract next week in Madrid. The Portuguese manager will return to the Middle East for the third time in his career. He had earlier managed Al-Hilal in the 2018-19 campaign and then returned to the club in 2023 and remained for two years. In his second stint, Jesus won the Saudi Pro League, King Cup and two Saudi Super Cup titles.

Al Nassr v Al Ittihad - Saudi Pro League

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier this week, Al-Nassr announced the departure of Pioli from the club. The former AC Milan boss arrived as Al-Nassr's new manager in September last year, replacing Luis Castro after a disappointing campaign. However, the Italian failed to win any silverware during the 2024-25 season, finishing third in the Saudi Pro League alongside failures in the King Cup and the AFC Champions League.

DID YOU KNOW?

Jesus was linked to the Brazil national team job after he quit Al-Hilal; however, the Selecao went for their number one choice, Carlo Ancelotti, once his departure from Real Madrid was confirmed.

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WHAT NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?

Bringing Jesus on board could be a good move for Al-Nassr, who are desperate to end their silverware drought despite boasting a star-studded squad including Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, and others.