The buying spree of clubs in Saudi Arabia continues: Al-Nassr has made Otavio (28) FC Porto’s new record sale. Fans back home bid a respectful farewell to the Portuguese international.
On Tuesday evening, the deal was finally through. Otavio leaves FC Porto after a total of seven years and joins Al-Nassr with immediate effect. However, the Saudi Arabian club had to pull the exit clause in Otavio’s contract – and is reportedly investing a whopping 60 million euros for the 14-time Portuguese international (three goals). The Brazilian-born attacking player will receive a three-year contract until 30 June 2026.
Fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo and the almost entirely Portuguese coaching team led by head coach Luis Castro will certainly help him settle in. Al-Nassr has already spent more money this summer on Bayern’s striker Sadio Mané, Lens striker Seko Fofana, Inter striker Marcelo Brozovic and Manchester United left-back Alex Telles. Aymeric Laporte is expected to be announced as a full deal this week. Al-Nassr is said to be prepared to transfer around 30 million euros in transfer fees to England for the Manchester City centre-back.
Banner unrolled on Sunday
While many voiced their displeasure at the move to Saudi Arabia, Porto fans paid their respects to their favourite. During the 2-1 home win over SC Farense – Otavio was already on his way to the desert – the supporters at the legendary Estadio do Dragão on Sunday unfurled a banner that read: “Otavio, rightly immortal.”
The 1.71-metre attacking player played 283 competitive games in his seven years with Porto, scoring 31 goals and setting up 75 others. At the end of last season, he was named “Player of the Season” in Portugal.
His CV includes three championships, three cup victories, two Super Cup triumphs and one in the League Cup – all achieved with Porto.
Now Otavio is expected to help Al-Nassr get back on the road to success. After two matchdays, the Ronaldo club is in 15th place with zero points and 1:4 goals. Champions Al-Ittihad around Karim Benzema, the promoted Al-Ahli coached by German Matthias Jaissle and Al-Ettifaq are already six points ahead.
