Nacho's Destination Official After Real Madrid Exit
A few days after announcing his departure from Real Madrid, it's now official that the Spanish international will play in Saudi Arabia with this team.
Saudi club Al Qadisiyah announced on Thursday the signing of defender Nacho Fernández, formerly of Real Madrid, on a two-year deal, under the management of Spanish coach Míchel González.
In a nearly one-minute video, the club stated that Nacho has signed until 2026 and will retain his number 6 jersey.
The clip also featured various images of Madrid city and highlights of Nacho's performances during his time at Real Madrid, along with footage of him signing the contract and saying, "Al Qasidiyah, I'm coming."
The club did not disclose the financial details, but according to Saudi media, Nacho's salary will be around 10 million euros per season.
Real Madrid confirmed two days ago the departure of the former team captain, who joined the club at the age of ten.
Al Qadisiyah, recently promoted to the Saudi Professional League, benefits from substantial financial backing from the oil giant Aramco, which acquired the club in June 2023.
The club joins other Saudi clubs recently privatized, such as Al Hilal, Al Nasr, and Al Ittihad, which were converted into companies owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Al Qadisiyah is the largest club in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, specifically in Al Khobar, approximately 430 kilometers from the capital, Riyadh.
The club is led by Spanish coach Michel González, who took charge in October, replacing Englishman Robbie Fowler, and guided them to the Yelo First Division title, securing promotion to the Professional League.
Nacho is not Al Qadisiyah's only summer signing, with Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels joining from German club Wolfsburg and Uruguayan midfielder Nahitan Nandes, among others.
The club also has Spanish players like goalkeeper Joel Robles, who might depart following Casteels' arrival, and defender Álvaro González, whose contract renewal is uncertain after Nacho's signing.